EDMONTON – The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations said everyone in the community has a role in protecting children and ending violence against First Nations women and girls.
Chief Perry Bellegarde issued a statement Wednesday, in response to the kidnapping and brutal assault of a six-year-old girl. The little girl was found on the Paul First Nation, west of Edmonton on Saturday afternoon. The RCMP said she was found unconscious in the woods, likely hours after the assault occurred.
A spokesperson with STARS said the girl was suffering ‘traumatic injuries related to blunt trauma’ when she was airlifted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Most recent reports indicate the young girl is in stable but very serious condition.
In his statement Wednesday, Bellegarde said:
“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I want to say that we are utterly shocked and saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are first and foremost with this young girl and her family and we are hoping that she can begin her healing journey towards a full recovery.
An arrest has been made and the RCMP have stated that local citizens were very helpful in this case. We commend those efforts.
We all have a role to play in protecting our children and ending violence against First Nations women and girls.
Right now, our immediate thoughts and prayers are for the young girl and her family during this difficult time.”
READ MORE: Man charged with attempted murder in serious assault of 6-year-old Alberta girl
James Clifford Paul, 21, was arrested on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and was charged Monday with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping.
Superintendent Gary Steinke, with RCMP K Division, said Monday the accused knew the little girl.
“It was not an unknown, predatorial attack. He was known to her.”
Paul will be back in court next month.
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