Winnipeg police have charged the chief of the Lake St. Martin First Nation with sexual assault

WINNIPEG – A Manitoba First Nations chief is facing trial on charges of sexually abusing a child.

According to Winnipeg police, Christopher Travers was charged in February with sexual assault, sexual intercourse and child pornography.

Travers is chief of the Lake St. Martin First Nation in the Interlake region, 270 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

Court records say the alleged crimes took place on Dec. 29 and Travers has been released on bond.

Police say a primary school-aged child was involved in the incident.

Travers did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press, but told the CBC he is innocent and will not resign.

He will appear in the regional court on July 3.

The Tribal Council of the Interlake Reserve, which includes seven First Nations including Lake St. Martin, was made aware of the allegations last week. Travers is a board member of the organization.

Lake Manitoba First Nation Chief Cornell McLean, who chairs the tribal council, said an emergency meeting will be held next week to determine next steps. They could include asking Travers to resign or suspending him until the case is resolved in court.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said in a statement that it was not aware of the “specifics” of the charges. The organization added that it does not comment on ongoing legal issues involving executives.

The assembly said it stands by the people of Lake St Martin and is committed to working with its group council to ensure appropriate supports are available.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 10, 2024.

Canadian Press