Lake St. Martin First Nation Chief Chris Traverse has been charged with several sex offences involving a child.
According to Winnipeg police (WPS), Traverse is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and making and possessing child pornography.
The charges allege the offences took place on or about Dec. 29, 2023.
“WPS investigated, arrested and charged TRAVERSE on Feb. 1/24 for sexual assault, sexual interference and child pornography,” Winnipeg police said in a statement. “The [alleged] victim in this matter was an elementary-aged child. Due to the nature of this investigation, we [police] do not have any additional info to share and are mindful of protecting the victim’s identity.”
Traverse was later released to await his next court date.
Traverse has been chief of the Ojibway community 225 km northwest of Winnipeg since July 2022, after serving on council for many years.
Last month, a group of Elders gave him a letter demanding his resignation or warning they will have him removed citing Sec. 2 of the First Nations Election Act.
“If you do not wish to step down or provide your resignation within 7 days from today [March 22], we, the people of Lake St. Martin, will move forward in your removal from office,” a copy of the letter obtained by APTN News said.
Lake St. Martin is a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs [AMC] and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.
Both groups said they don’t comment on criminal matters involving leaders.
Last week, Traverse requested an interview with APTN to discuss issues in his First Nation. He mentioned allegations were made against him but wouldn’t elaborate.
He said he reached out to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for help.
“I was told, ‘I’m on my own’,” said Traverse, “and what I said to AMC was, ‘There’s no, there’s nothing in place for men in this society that are wrongfully accused of anything’ and the door was shut on me.”
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 3.
