Alexander First Nation Chief Kurt Burnstick was found not guilty of sexual assault in a case dating back to 1985 on Friday.
Burnstick was acquitted in an Edmonton courtroom of two separate counts of sexual assault as well as one count of break and enter with intent.
The chief’s exoneration comes 21 months after he was found not guilty of another accusation of sexual assault from 2016.
READ MORE: Alexander First Nation Chief Kurt Burnstick found not guilty of sexual assault
Watch below: In January 2017, Quinn Ohler filed this report after the chief of the Alexander First Nation was found not guilty of sexual assault in a case dating back to 2015.
The allegations of sexual misconduct have led some members of the Alexander First Nation to question whether Burnstick is fit to lead them.
Two years ago, a group called the Alexander Women Warriors held a rally to express outrage over the fact he still represented them and to call for his removal as chief.
On Friday, member of the Alexander First Nation council released a statement after the decision came down.
“We’re respecting the integrity of the ruling,” council member Anita Arcand said. “Alexander First Nation ethics are based upon respect and recognition of our rights.
“We’re moving forward with ensuring that our members are safe in our community. We need to address the intergenerational trauma and look at healing our Nation.”
“It’s our job to ensure that our laws are taken seriously. Alexander will heal from this issue that has become so public,” Joe Kootenay added.
Alexander First Nation is about 40 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
READ MORE: Alberta First Nation women hold rally after another sex assault charge laid against chief
Watch below: In September 2016, Kent Morrison filed this report about band members on the Alexander First Nation demanding that their chief step down over allegations of sexual misconduct.
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