Sweetgrass and CFWE news - March 7, 2016

Man charged 10 months after woman killed

March 5, 2016. Allen Day Rider, 29, has been charged in the death of Brittany Medicine Crane, 24. Crane’s body was discovered on the afternoon of May 21, 2015, when Blood Tribe Police Service were dispatched to a residence in Stand Off after having received a report of an unresponsive woman at that location. After a thorough 10-month investigation police arrested Rider on Friday and charged him with one count of manslaughter. The investigation included members from the Blood Tribe Police Service as well as members from the Red Deer RCMP Major Crimes Unit, Lethbridge Forensic Identification Section and Calgary Police Dog Services. Rider is scheduled to appear in Cardston Provincial Court on Monday.

Trudeau given name in headdress ceremony

March 4, 2016. In a headdress ceremony on Friday, the Tsuut’ina Nation bestowed the name of “Gumistiyi,” which means “The One Who Keeps Trying,” on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The headdress presented to Trudeau symbolizes accomplishment, respect, bravery and peace-building. "Mr. Prime Minister, your election has brought with it expectations, high ones, that the historical obstacles to recognition and achievement ... will finally be accomplished," said Tsuut’ina Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot. Trudeau said again that there is no relationship more important to him and to Canada than the one with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who was also presented with a headdress, said close attention is being paid to the upcoming federal budget that “there will be something” in it for First Nations.

Alexander Chief faces sexual assault charge

March 4, 2016. Alexander First Nation Chief Kurt Burnstick was charged Friday with one count of sexual assault.  It is alleged that this assault was committed against an adult female who is known to Burnstick. Burnstick was released on a promise to appear in court and is scheduled for his court appearance on Apr. 14 at Morinville Provincial Court. This charge stems from an investigation opened in December 2015 and conducted by the Morinville RCMP with the assistance of the Edmonton General Investigation Section. 

Chief, administrator of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation accused of bribery

March 4, 2016. Three members of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation have accused their Chief and band administrator of paying voters in exchange for support in an upcoming election. In sworn affidavits, the men -  Norman Herman, 53, Dave Cardinal, 46, and Jared Morice, 24 - say they were approached either by Chief Vern Janvier or band administrator Kevin Couselan, and offered $500 if they promised to re-elect Janvier in the band’s March 10 election. The three men currently do not have steady income. Former Wildrose MLA Shayne Saskiw, who is representing the men, says the claims have been submitted to the RCMP and Pauline Gauthier, the chief electoral officer. He also says many other voters have been approached by Couselan and Janvier.