FSIN STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH SEXUAL ASSUALT VICTIMS
- Feb 3, 2023
- 2 min read
Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) takes allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking very seriously and stands in support of all abuse victims.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of these horrendous crimes. Sex crimes that damage the body, mind and spirit of our First Nations people are something we strongly condemn. It is especially disturbing when people of power and influence prey on our women and girls, whom we as First Nations people hold in a place of utmost respect,” said FSIN Third Vice Chief Aly Bear.
FSIN Executive leadership, under the direction of FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, has imposed a ban on Nathan Lee Chasing Horse and Cecil Wolfe, barring them both from all FSIN community events, spiritual practices, pow wows and ceremonies for the duration of their lifetime.
“Woman and girls are cherished as the life-givers in First Nations culture and the backbone of our society. We are disheartened that sexual assaults and human trafficking are occurring today in our communities. We must all take a stand to speak out against abuse and support the victims,” said FSIN Fourth Vice Chief Heather Bear.
After learning of Nathan Chasing Horse’s sex assault charges Feb. 1, FSIN Chief Cameron reaffirmed FSIN’s position against all abuse and sex crimes.
According to police, 46-year-old Chasing Horse, is charged with alleged sex crimes spanning two decades. In 2018, British Columbia RCMP contacted US authorities after Chasing Horse had been named as a suspect in an investigation involving a victim from British Columbia. Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service officials in Alberta are encouraging any victims of Chasing Horse in Canada or the United States to come forward.
Cecil Wolfe faces 12 counts of sexual assault in Saskatchewan Provincial Court. The court heard how Wolfe misrepresented himself as a Cree medicine man to gain access to victims in Saskatchewan.
FSIN reiterates the public statements made by the Calgary police service, RCMP and Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service and encourages those who may have been victims in these cases to come forward.
FSIN reaffirms that sexual misconduct, abuse and assault have no place in society.
TOLL-FREE SUPPORT LINES
First Nations, Inuit and Metis seeking immediate support can contact the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat hopeforwellness.ca
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides 24-hour a day crisis support to victims and their families at 1-866-925-4419 and 1-800-721-0066.
Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls LGBTQ2S+ can call 1-844-413-6649.
About FSIN
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
Lisa Risom
Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
10 - 134 Kahkewistahaw Crescent Treaty Six Territory
Saskatoon, SK S7R 0M9
Cell: 306-987-0505 | FSIN Office: 306-914-6815
Email: communications@fsin.com
