Manitoba First Nation chief charged with child sex crimes – Winnipeg

Lake Saint Martin First Nation, Man. The head was accused of sexual violence, sexual intercourse and the creation and possession of child pornography.

Winnipeg police say Christopher Travers was arrested and charged on Feb. 1, and the victim is an elementary school-aged child. According to him, there is no additional information due to the nature of the investigation.

Provincial courts said the offenses took place on December 29, 2023.

It noted that Travers has multiple convictions, most recently for obstructing and resisting a peace officer in June 2021 and failure to appear in court in August of that year.

On April 3, the First Nation broadcast live on its Facebook page where Travers gave a community report at a hotel in the Garden City area.

About 10 minutes into the live broadcast, he said, “(the) charge against me should have come up on a family law platform.”

“It shouldn't have started because you don't know the other side of the story,” Travers said, referring to a petition calling for his resignation.

He said that he will not resign.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) released a statement acknowledging Travers' arrest and criminal charges.

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“AMC is not aware of the details of these allegations and does not comment on ongoing legal matters involving executives,” he said, ensuring that appropriate support is available to those affected.

Travers is scheduled to appear in court on June 3.

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