The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society on Leon Avenue in Kelowna.
Image Credit: Google Maps
December 19, 2021 - 1:42 PM
Multiple women are suing an Indigenous healer and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre, claiming they were sexually assaulted and the society did nothing to stop it.
One woman, an employee at the friendship centre, said she consented to a healing treatment from Joseph Camille, also known as Buckles, last July. Camille is also an employee of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, according to a lawsuit filed Dec. 17 in the Supreme Court of B.C.
But she said she did not consent to “inappropriate forceful kissing,” and the fondling of her breasts.
She claimed Camille took advantage of her vulnerable position while laying down and she reported the experience to members of the friendship society’s board.
The executive director and Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre were aware of allegations regarding Camille’s “inappropriate touching and sexual assault” prior to the incident with the woman and did nothing to protect her or other staff members, the lawsuit alleged.
She said the emotional and physical abuse was caused by the society’s “willful blindness” to Camille’s activities.
The woman is now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, has difficulty concentrating, has diminished self-worth and has lost enjoyment in life, according to the lawsuit.
She is seeking punitive damages, loss of earnings, future loss of earnings and the recovery of heath care costs.
Another employee also said she reported an alleged sexual assault to the society’s executive director after receving a massage from Camille. She experienced bruising on the inside of her legs, back, breasts and over her buttocks, according to a seperate lawsuit filed Nov. 22, in the Supreme Court of B.C.
She said in the lawsuit the society’s executive director took no action to investigate. They allowed Camille to continue treating other staff members and a 13-year-old girl following the incident, she claimed in the suit.
The woman also claimed the society’s board and executive director were aware of allegations of Camille’s inappropriate touching and alleged sexual assaults prior to the incident but did nothing.
On Nov. 10, she alleged she was placed on paid leave and escorted out of the building.
She has also experienced post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to the experience, as well as depression, insomnia and emotional anguish, according to the court documents.
The woman has experienced sustained special damages arising from expenses for psychological and trauma treatment. She said the friendship society failed to protect her from being a victim of sexual assault as well as emotional and physical abuse.
She is also seeking general and punitive damages, loss of earnings and future earnings and the recovery of health care costs.
None of these allegations have been proven in court. Camille and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society have not yet submitted responses to the lawsuits.
The society could not be reached for comment Sunday afternoon, Dec. 19.
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