RCMP investigate sex abuse

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RCMP are investigating a string a sexual abuse allegations on the Sandy Bay reserve, the site of a recent inquiry into political interference in abuse investigations.

Sgt. Robert McAffee said officers are sorting details of the case, which emerged

as some 50 children and adults came forward with allegations dating back dozens of years.

So far a teenager and two men have been charged with sexual assault. McAffee said more charges are pending, but it is unlikely there will be wide-spread arrests.

Many of the cases are social problems rather than criminal problems because they involve children accusing each other of indecent acts, he said. Social service workers will be looking for extra funding to help deal with the problem.

An inquiry into the hanging death of a teenager last spring in the 2,400 member community northwest of Winnipeg revealed several allegations of political interferences in abuse investigations. During 40 days of testimony, the inquiry heard several examples of problems in the system, including allegations that band officials closed down investigations or destroyed controversial files.

Meanwhile, a Winnipeg child abuse expert said a report revealing a non-reserve abuse epidemic was shelved by officials, who feared a backlash from the Native community. Sally Longstaff, who co-authored a 1987 report A New Justice for Indian Children, said both the federal and provincial governments turned their backs on the report, which said little was being done to protect Native children.

Phil Fontaine, head of the Assembly of Manitoba chiefs, said government fears do not justify their lack of action because the problem of child abuse is not going to go away. He said Native child welfare agencies are strained and need money to cope with the recent disclosures.