A group called the Alexander Women Warriors women gathered on Thursday to call for the resignation of the chief, who has been charged with sexual assault.
Around 100 men, women, children and elders marched from the Alexander First Nation community centre to the band office to demand council take action to remove Chief Kurt Burnstick from his position. Most participants were wearing red clothing or face paint as a recognition of missing and murdered indigenous women.
The chief was charged with one count of sexual assault in March of this year from an alleged incident taking place in October 2015. Earlier this month, Burnstick was charged again. He is facing two counts of sexual assault and one count of break and enter dating back to 1985.
Some onlookers cheered from the sidelines as the dozens of members of the community and surrounding communities marched. They chose not to participate after a memo was released warning any Alexander First Nation department staff employees that they may have their jobs terminated for attending the event.
“He is not our chief,” members of the crowd chanted as they approached the band office, where they were met by three of the six sitting council members.
"Today is a message that we also have to take the sacred right that we must do as people and that's to protect the women," Coun. Allen Paul said.
Paul said that the council is meeting with lawyers to see what steps can be taken.
Chief Burnstick responded to the rally on Thursday night stating he would not be stepping down from his post.
“While I take the issue of sexual assault very seriously, I deny the allegations made against me, and will vigorously defend myself in court,” Burnstick said in a statement.
Alexander Women Warriors group organizer Janet Campbell said the group will continue to rally until the chief steps down and are planning another protest.
