Vuntut Gwitchin chief, Roger Kyikavichik, arrested on sexual assault charge

Roger Kyikavichik, chief of the Vuntut GwitchinFirst Nation, faces a charge of sexual assault, Yukon RCMP said Wednesday.

The charge stems from an alleged incident in the fall of2014. Police say the charge was filed in Yukon Territorial Court Wednesday, althoughKyikavichik was arrested Dec. 23.

In a news release, RCMP said they first received the complaint in September, 2015.

Following his arrest, Kyikavichikwas released on conditions. He's scheduled to appear in court in Old Crow, Feb. 2, 2016.

RCMP said they would not release any more information about the case because it's before the courts.

The First Nation's constitution says a chief must be convicted of an indictable offence before the chief can be removed from office. If the chief isconvicted a council of leaders would meet to determine if the chief's office should be declared vacant.

Kyikavichik was elected chief in November, 2014. He also served as chief from 1988 to 1992.