A Northern Ontario chief is facing a criminal charge related to allegations of a historical sexual assault, just days since being re-elected leader of his First Nation last weekend.
After an investigation by Thunder Bay Police Service, Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay First Nation (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek) is charged with one count of sexual assault that is alleged to have occurred between August and September of 1992, according to court documents.
Mr. King’s lawyer issued a statement saying the chief will “vigorously fight these accusations” and describing the timing of the allegations as “suspicious.”
“While allegedly historical in nature, they only surfaced during a contested election, one which Chief King was favoured to win,” the statement said.
“Notwithstanding this distraction, Chief King just resecured his role as Chief of Gull Bay First Nation, a position he has proudly held nearly uninterrupted since 2002.”
The statement said the chief is looking forward to “the truth being revealed through the court process.”
Mr. King was re-elected chief on Nov. 15, receiving 292 votes out of 487 ballots cast. He’s held the position of chief since 2002, except for one term from 2010-2013, when he was defeated.
Mr. King is one of 12 chiefs from the Robinson Superior Treaty currently in negotiations with the Crown for treaty annuity compensation, rejecting a $3.6-billion offer earlier this year.