Edmonton-area First Nation chief charged with sexual assault

RCMPhave charged Alexander First NationChief KurtBurnstickwith sexual assault.

The charge stems from an investigation opened inDecember, police said.

MorinvilleRCMP investigatedwith the assistance of theEdmonton RCMP.

Police saidthe allegedvictim is a woman known toBurnstick.

Burnstickis not in custody. His first court appearance is scheduledforApr. 14.

The Alexander First Nation reserve is located inSturgeon County, just northwest ofEdmonton. About1,100 members live in the community.

The band sent out a media release Friday morning announcing the charges, which police confirmed later in the day.

"Our current leadership table is obviously taking this very seriously," saidCheryl Savoie,director of economic development and interim bandspokesperson. "It is obviously a serious situation that has to be dealt with."

Savoie said community leaders willhold an emergency political caucus, followed by community consultation and a "decision will be made shortly" aboutBurnstick's status as chief.

Burnstickwas elected in August 2014, but has spent nearly a decade in the political realm. His term ends next year.

"Thecommunity is really torn at this time," said Savoie. "We will have to come together and hopefully from this become stronger in our communication, a little bit more open now amongst ourselves."

She expressed support for the woman who made the allegations.

"The community is going to take this in a positive light and address some real issues for our women in our community and hopefully give them a stronger voice back," said Savoie. "Thisis encouraging that someone felt strong enough to obviously stand up for themselves. And we have to support that.

"I just think that this is an encouraging breaking of the cycle for some of our women."