Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak sues teacher over racist Facebook posts
The Canadian Press | Posted: January 9, 2015 8:14 PM | Last Updated: January 9, 2015
A statement of claim filed on Nepinak's behalf on Friday alleges Facebook comments damaged his reputation
A Manitoba aboriginal leader is suing a high school teacher, alleging he defamed an entire race of people.
Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is suing Brad Badiuk, a technology teacher at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg.
- Brad Badiuk, Winnipeg teacher, on leave after controversial Facebook posts on aboriginals
- Manitoba chiefs want teacher Brad Badiuk fired for 'hateful' comments
Comments posted on Badiuk's Facebook page accused First Nations people of being lazy and seeking free money from non-aboriginals.
Some of the comments were directed specifically at Nepinak, suggesting he wants to "get his hands" on other people's money.
A statement of claim filed on Nepinak's behalf on Friday in Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench alleges the Facebook comments have hurt Nepinak's reputation and have defamed all aboriginals.
The statement of claim contains allegations that have not been proven in court and seeks unspecified damages.
Badiuk was placed on administrative leave last month.
His Facebook page has since been taken down and attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
The Winnipeg School Division is still investigating the matter and declined to comment Friday.
The division, which is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, said last month its investigation will need to determine whether Badiuk himself posted the comments.