A group of women are asking for the resignation of Alexander First Nation chief Kurt Burnstick over allegations of sexual assault.
The Alexander Women Warriors, a group representing a number of female band members, issued a press release Tuesday afternoon outlining its concerns with Burnstick’s continued leadership as he faces charges of sexual assault.
The group believes his actions have a negative impact on our community, said spokesperson Janet Campbell.
Burnstick was arrested and charged with sexual assault in March, in relation to a December 2015 complaint. He is scheduled to stand trial on this matter Jan. 11-13, 2017 in Morinville Provincial Court.
The chief was charged with another two counts of sexual assault and one count of break and enter earlier this month. The first count of sexual assault allegedly took place between July 1 and Aug. 30, 1985. The second count of sexual assault allegedly took place between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30, 1985; the same date as the break and enter.
He was released to appear in the Morinville Provincial Court on Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
The Alexander Women Warriors said they are “deeply offended” by Burnstick’s continued representation at public forums. The chief spoke publicly at the National Forum for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.
The group is organizing a protest rally and march on Thursday where they will ask the chief to formally resign. The event, which is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. at the community hall in Alexander, is open to individuals outside the community. Supporters are asked to wear red as a sign of support.
