Former band manager sues Birdtail Sioux First Nation, alleges defamation and wrongful dismissal

The Manitoba Law Courts building in Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

A former band manager is suing Birdtail Sioux First Nation, along with its chief and a councillor, alleging defamation, wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, and breach of privacy.

In a statement of claim filed in the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, May Hapa claims she was terminated without cause after roughly 20 years of employment with the First Nation, located about 50 kilometres north of Virden, Man.

According to the lawsuit filed earlier this month, Hapa began working for Birdtail Sioux in 2005 and was promoted over time to band manager around 2017 or 2018.

The claim states that on June 4, 2025, she was informed her employment was being terminated immediately, as the First Nation sought to “move in a different direction” to address evolving operational priorities. Hapa alleges she was not provided reasonable notice or compensation as required under her contract.

The lawsuit further claims the First Nation failed to continue providing legal representation in a separate matter related to her role as band manager following her dismissal, despite what she describes as contractual and legal obligations. As a result, her legal counsel withdrew, the claim alleges.

Allegations of defamatory statements

Hapa is also suing Chief Tréchelle Bunn and Councillor Heath Bunn, alleging her termination followed defamatory statements concerning her handling of band finances.

The statement of claim cites three alleged incidents beginning in January 2024. It alleges Heath Bunn and another councillor, who is not named as a defendant, sent a letter to band members claiming Hapa and a financial advisor allowed “excessive cash advances” and should be held liable.

The lawsuit further alleges that the following month, Heath Bunn and the same councillor sent a letter to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and the RCMP, claiming Hapa and the advisor were enabling embezzlement and the “blatant misuse of federal public funds.”

According to the filing, the letter accused them of misusing funds without repayment, overpaying themselves, and withholding pay from councillors.

A third instance allegedly occurred during an August 2025 band meeting, where the claim says Chief Tréchelle Bunn and Councillor Heath Bunn made statements accusing Hapa of misappropriating and stealing money from the First Nation.

The lawsuit alleges all the statements were false and defamatory and have caused Hapa “great distress, embarrassment, loss of reputation, humiliation and financial loss.”

It also claims that neither the Manitoba First Nations Police Service nor the RCMP has charged her with any financial wrongdoing. CTV News has contacted both agencies for confirmation.

The filing further alleges the chief and councillor disclosed Hapa’s personal information during the August 2025 meeting in violation of the Privacy Act.

Hapa is seeking damages, including compensation in lieu of notice, as well as aggravated and punitive damages. The filing states her position carried a net annual salary of approximately $50,000.

CTV News has reached out to Birdtail Sioux First Nation and Hapa’s lawyer for comment and is awaiting a response.

None of the allegations have been tested in court, and no statement of defence has been filed.