For Immediate Release
April 13, 2016
Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation, Treaty 6 – “Our Council is aware of the on-going situation at the Chief Beardy Memorial Elementary School and are working diligently with appropriate agencies – including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Willow Cree Education staff, Child and Family Services, and Willow Cree Health – to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
We understand there are many concerns in the community, but due to the highly sensitive nature of the allegations, we are not able to divulge confidential information. In order to protect the alleged victims from further trauma, we request that community members refrain from speculation.
We can confirm that a part-time employee with the Chief Beardy Memorial Elementary School has been terminated for cause and that the matter is in the hands of the criminal justice system.
We also want to reassure our community that our actions thus far have been guided by the Saskatchewan Child Abuse Protocol of 2014 and that all resources that can be made available to assist the victims has been called upon and has been made available. Our first priority is that our children and families feel safe and have the necessary counselling, mental health supports, and spiritual guidance they require. More resources and support may be called upon if required to assist our community.
We appreciate all concerns but ask that everyone respect the privacy of the alleged victims and their families. Additional information may be released as the situation warrants.”
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For more information, please contact:
Councillor in charge or Director, Willow Cree Education, – 306.467.4441
