Women's group calls for Nunavut man accused of sex crimes to be stripped of prestigious medal

Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council wants to strip an Igloolik businessman of his Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

In a civil case, aNunavut judge recently ordered Ike Haullito pay more than $1millionin compensation to several victims who accused him of sexually abusing them when they were children.

He was also convicted in 2008 for indecent assault and for having sex with someone younger than 14 years old. He was given a suspended sentence and 12 months probation.

• Igloolik businessman removed from chamber of commerce amid sex assault revelations

"We believe that the violence he [inflicted] on his victims was heinous and very heartbreaking,"saidSileemaAngoyuak, president ofQulliit.

"We believe we should get that revoked to show that we're serious about ending violence."

Haulliwas awarded theprestigiousmedalin 2013by then Governor General of Canada DavidJohnston.AngoyuaksaysQulliitwants to see the honourrevokedas a consequence ofhis actions.

Last month, whenthe Baffin Chamber of Commercesaid itbecame aware ofHaulli'slegal history, it removed himfrom itsboard of directors.

Qulliitistrying to get a letter writing campaign started, directing people to send mail to the Governor General's office. On Friday, it started an online petition as well.

Process for cancelling awards

The inaugural Diamond Jubilee medals aregiven to Canadians who are making the country a better place. It honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

The office of the Governor General said in an email there was a process in place to revokeawards, but citingconfidentiality reasons, it wouldn't say what the process was.

It's notclear whyHaulliwas awarded the medal.

"We applaud all the women and girls who have so courageously come forward, who have been victimized by these violent acts. We stand with you against these crimes and this injustice," Qulliit said in a news release.

The statementsaidwomen in need of support can contact Qulliit to be put in touch with resources including counselling and lawyers.