The Alexander First Nation has imposed a “complete and total” blackout on all media outlets.
The Gazette received a faxed statement from the office of the chief and council Thursday, stating that all forms of media were no longer welcome on Alexander First Nation lands.
The letter states that the blackout is the result of “biased and uninformed statements” made in recent media broadcasts. An Edmonton news outlet broadcasted derogatory statements on March 4, while reporting on allegations of sexual assault against the first nation’s chief, Kurt Burnstick.
Burnstick was charged with sexual assault by the Morinville RCMP earlier this month and released on a promise to appear. The matter will go before the courts on April 14.
The media blackout “will remain in effect until further notice from Chief Burnstick,” reads the letter.
Spokesperson Marcel Arcand told the Edmonton Journal that meetings with membership on the matter are upcoming and that the recent broadcast created animosity within the First Nation.
“The impact is negative amongst our membership and we ask that you respect this decision of our people,” reads the letter, which is signed by chief Burnstick and councillors Edwin Paul, Marty Arcand and Audra Arcand.
Councillors Armand Arcand, Craig Yellowdirt and Allan Paul did not sign the letter.
Failure to comply with the media blackout will be treated as trespassing, warned the letter.
