AMC Condemns Stay of Charges Against Priest Accused of Sexual Assault

November 15, 2024

TRIGGER WARNING: This media release contains sensitive information about the assault of a child. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is deeply disturbed by the Crown’s decision to stay all charges against a Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl from Little Grand Rapids First Nation. This decision, made just one day after the young survivor bravely testified against the accused, represents a failure of the justice system to deliver accountability and protection for First Nations children and communities. It underscores the systemic barriers and retraumatization that First Nations survivors of sexual violence continue to face, reflecting systemic shortcomings identified in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

“This decision is a devastating blow to the survivor, her family, and the entire Little Grand Rapids First Nation. It is a painful reminder of how the justice system has historically failed First Nations people, particularly our children,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “After summoning the strength to testify, this young girl was let down by the very system meant to uphold her rights and ensure her safety. Staying these charges is more than an injustice—it is a profound betrayal of every First Nation family that places their trust in the pursuit of justice. It sends a deeply troubling message that those in positions of trust, like priests in our nations and communities, can evade accountability for even the most damaging violations.”

This incident is triggering for many First Nations who experienced assault at the hands of church officials during the Indian Residential School Era. It retraumatizes the survivor and signals to other victims the potential consequences of coming forward. The priest’s arrest led to the identification of other potential victims, whose cases are still under investigation. The possibility of additional survivors, coupled with the fact that the accused also worked in Pauingassi First Nation, underscores the urgency of ensuring that no survivor is left without support or the opportunity for justice.

The AMC emphasizes the additional concerns surrounding this case. It is unclear whether the survivor had access to cultural supports, such as an interpreter, despite many children in Little Grand Rapids speaking their first language. The absence of such supports raises significant questions about the fairness and accessibility of the legal process for First Nations children. Furthermore, the judge’s observation that the young survivor’s answers appeared inconsistent with her earlier statement underscores concerns about the aggressive tactics employed by the defence lawyer. Such tactics risk re-traumatizing survivors, particularly children, and highlight the weaknesses in the justice system’s ability to protect vulnerable witnesses.

“The justice system must reflect the needs and experiences of First Nations people,” said Acting Grand Chief Kennedy, “This case exposes the flaws in the system that too often allow those in positions of power to escape accountability. We cannot and will not accept a status quo that leaves our children unprotected and without recourse when they face harm. The Crown must reconsider this decision and take appropriate action.”

The AMC emphasizes that this case reflects a broader, troubling pattern of violence against First Nations people, especially women and children, that continues to go unaddressed. The AMC calls for immediate reforms to the justice system, including culturally relevant trauma-informed services, access to interpreters, and protections against aggressive legal tactics that traumatize survivors.

“The justice system must prioritize the safety and well-being of First Nations children who come forward to share their truths,” Acting Grand Chief Kennedy concluded. “This individual should not be allowed to work in any church in Canada, especially not in our nations. We will not rest until justice is achieved for this child and for all First Nation children who continue to face harm in their communities. We will continue to push for systemic change and demand that the Crown take the necessary steps to hold the accused accountable for his actions.”

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT5