Thunder BayThe lawyer representing Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse has confirmed he’s in the clear, following a third-party investigation into Narcisse’s conduct. Here’s what we know about where the situation stands.Bobby Narcisse is ‘committed to moving forward from this,’ says his lawyerSarah Law · CBC News · Posted: Aug 18, 2025 1:00 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 18Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse, seen in this file photo, has been cleared of misconduct following a third-party investigation launched in the spring. (Nishnawbe Aski Nation/Facebook)The lawyer representing Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse has confirmed he’s in the clear, following a third-party investigation into Narcisse’s conduct.Narcisse, one of NAN’s three deputy grand chiefs, told CBC News in April that he was the subject of an independent investigation related to his conduct with the political-territorial organization.A week later, Judson Howie LLP, a Fort Frances, Ont.-based law firm, issued a statement denying any allegations against Narcisse, saying they amount to nothing more than “a political attack.”NAN represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5 in Ontario.Following NAN’s annual Keewaywin Conference in Moose Cree First Nation last week, NAN’s chiefs officially determined “that the matter was concluded,” said Douglas Judson, a partner with Judson Howie LLP, in an email to CBC News on Sunday.”All restrictions on Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse’s performance of his official duties were actually lifted earlier — in June — after the independent investigator’s report was received,” he said. The investigator’s report was presented to the chiefs-in-assembly during a brief session on Wednesday, Judson said.An elders’ circle was also convened at the end of July at Narcisse’s request, he added.It remains unclear what the specific allegations made against Narcisse entailed; NAN’s code of conduct is not readily available on its website.Narcisse is a member of Aroland First Nation in northwestern Ontario, and ran against current Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Pauline Penena Mickelson for the grand chief position in the 2024 elections.He studied political studies and law at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and has several years of experience with NAN as director of social services. As well, he’s been one of the organization’s leads on child and family services reform and has extensive experience working with First Nations youth.”Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse is committed to moving forward from this and to continuing the important work of his office on behalf of the NAN communities, alongside his colleagues,” said Judson.ABOUT THE AUTHORSarah Law is a CBC News reporter based in Thunder Bay, Ont., and has also worked for newspapers and online publications elsewhere in the province. Have a story tip? You can reach her at sarah.law@cbc.ca
Independent investigation clears a Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief of misconduct
