Indigenous Employee Discrimination

Representation

Napoli Shkolnik Canada is representing Indigenous employees of Indian Oil and Gas Canada on behalf of all current and former Indigenous employees and contractors in a class action focused on workplace discrimination and systemic barriers.

Claim Allegations  

The claim alleges that Indigenous workers have reported experiencing persistent challenges in the workplace, including harassment, unequal treatment, and limited opportunities for advancement. Many have described a work environment where supervisors and colleagues demonstrated a lack of understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and identity. According to the allegations, Indigenous workers were routinely overlooked for promotions, despite their qualifications, and were subjected to racially insensitive conduct.

Addressing Workplace Complaints

A central concern in the claim is the internal mechanisms for addressing workplace complaints. These processes were reportedly difficult to navigate, lacked transparency, and were not actively supported by management. Employees were often discouraged from filing complaints. When complaints were pursued, they did not lead to meaningful outcomes or changes.

These circumstances led many Indigenous workers to feel they had no choice but to leave the agency in order to protect their mental health and professional wellbeing.

This case seeks to address these systemic issues, promote cultural competency, and ensure fair and equitable treatment for Indigenous professionals in federal workplaces.

Contact Us

For further details and inquiries about this lawsuit, please contact us.

Media

• Review finds ‘racist remarks, discrimination, and bullying’ at Indian Oil and Gas Canada, aptnnews.ca
• Indigenous class action lawsuit: Fight continues, PSAC members not included, PSAC Union
• Indigenous staff press ahead with discrimination lawsuit against on-reserve oil and gas agency, CBC.ca
• Ex-official speaks out about alleged racism at Indian Oil and Gas Canada, CBC.ca