Alexander First Nation Chief Kurt Burnstick has been charged with sexual assault, RCMP reported Friday.
Cpl. Laurel Scott, an Alberta RCMP media relations officer, confirmed by phone that charges of sexual assault had been brought against the chief of the first nation, located 20 km west of Morinville.
In a release issued later that afternoon, police say Burnstick was charged March 4 with one count of sexual assault. An adult female known to Burnstick reported the assault.
Morinville RCMP began that investigation in December 2015, and concluded it with help from the Edmonton General Services Unit.
Burnstick has been released on a promise to appear and the matter will appear on the Morinville Provincial Court docket April 14, 2016.
A press release from Cheryl Savoie, Alexander’s economic development director, states Burnstick was charged after a female staff member at the First Nation reported she was assaulted in fall 2015. The same employee claims she was a victim of sexual harassment over a period of several months.
That release also stated a former employee filed another harassment complaint with RCMP, and RCMP conducted interviews with Burnstick and the victim on Jan. 9.
Scott confirmed Friday afternoon that the second investigation had taken place, but said charges are not expected as a result.
Finally, the release states the Alexander First Nation council will discuss the matter in camera and take steps to suspend Burnstick, without pay, until the courts rule on the charges.
Savoie said there is no date set for that meeting, and any decisions made will be in consultation with First Nations residents.
“I know meetings will happen within the community very shortly, then we’ll get our directives from there,” she said.
Nothing like this has happened before within the First Nation’s leadership, she added, so this is a new experience – and it will likely result in a review of policies and procedures to better address harassment issues.
“Change is often good,” Savoie said.
While the matter is dealt with, residents can expect the First Nation to continue to provide services to its members without interruption – the rest of the council will continue to maintain the authority to run the government.
