Male worker at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge charged with sexual assault

A male worker at theOkimawOhciHealing Lodge in Maple Creek is facing a charge of sexual assault.

The lodge houses female aboriginal offenders.

The 49-year-old accused is now on leave because of the charge, according to Kim Pate, national director Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies.

"The individual male staff member who is implicated is on leave at this time,"Pate told CBC News.

She said it is a "very good thing" that the allegation has been taken seriously by the administration.

He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Maple Creek Provincial Court on Feb. 11.

The assault is alleged to have happened on Dec. 17, 2015.

Sources tell CBC News that other inmates at the lodge are being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.