NIKLA-ANCLA: A Message to our Membership May 6, 2026

NIKLA-ANCLA: A Message to our Membership

 May 6, 2026

The National Indigenous Knowledge & Language Alliance / Alliance nationale des connaissances et des langues autochtones Council wishes to address several inaccuracies that have been circulating about Council deliberations and about the Respectful Terminology Platform Project (RTPP).

Our decision concerning Camille Callison's removal as NIKLA Chair and member was unanimous. Our process was neither arbitrary nor rushed - it was, above all, accountable. In the interest of transparency, this letter to NIKLA’s membership summarizes the Council’s process over the past four months. Members who wish to review additional supporting documentation are welcome to contact the Council directly. 

A significant financial irregularity was brought to the Council’s attention that legally and ethically required our review. Legal counsel was consulted. An Elder served on the Executive Council throughout our deliberations. Months of careful, often painful conversations, responses, and detailed reviews of documentation preceded this outcome in full adherence to NIKLA policies. Camille was invited to review and respond to documentation prepared by the Executive Council and did so - both in writing and in direct conversation with Executive Council members.

Camille was suspended from her roles at NIKLA in April 2026. She was provided with a memorandum containing a mutual NDA and offered the opportunity to resign without request for her to make restitution out of respect for her contributions to NIKLA. She did not sign these documents and did not directly answer subsequent emails.

The review process followed NIKLA’s bylaws. We did not consult separately with the Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) because to do so would have been highly inappropriate; the IAC is an advisory body for a project, the RTPP, not a NIKLA governance structure.

As an Indigenous organization, we are accountable not only to our policies and the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, but to the living relationships and responsibilities that define who we are in all circumstances. The Council acted in good faith throughout this process. Reparations, however, require accountability from all parties; Camille has not accepted full responsibility for her actions.

We heard the important questions raised about engagement with Elders and all those who bring their knowledge and trust to this work. Our Council sees this as a moment of reflection - to reach out to partners, to re-engage with all our Elders, and to ensure that Indigenous knowledge, voice, honesty, and trust are central to the integrity of our shared purpose. Among the ways we honour that commitment is by fully supporting the RTPP team and the rigour and dedication they bring to this work.

Our door remains open; our hearts remain open. NIKLA's goals and values continue to guide us. We look forward to further conversations.

Respectfully,

NIKLA-ANCLA Council

Contact: admin@nikla-ancla.com

[French translation to follow]