Tsuut’ina Nation chief charged in 2 historical sexual assaults

Tsuut'ina First Nation Chief Roy Whitney, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault by the Edmonton Police Service in connection with incidents in 1994 and 2005. Courtesy: Tsuut'ina First Nation

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged the Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation in relation to two sexual assaults involving two adult males in separate offences which occurred in 1994 and 2005.

In the early months of 1994, EPS said it was reported that a 33-year-old male was allegedly sexually assaulted in the area of 178 Street and 87 Avenue in Edmonton.

In the summer of 2005, EPS said it was reported that a 38-year-old male was allegedly sexually assaulted in the area of Stony Plain Road and 178 Street in Edmonton.

In November 2024, police were made aware of the incident that occurred in 1994 and began an investigation.

Subsequently, police were made aware of and began to investigate the incident that occurred in 2005 in May of this year.

The complainants, who are both from Tsuut’ina Nation, are known to the suspect but unknown to one another.

On August 6, Roy Albert Whitney, 71, of Tsuut’ina Nation was arrested by the EPS in Calgary and is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

“We understand that offences of this nature can be unsettling to community members, especially when they pertain to individuals who were in positions of authority and were often relied on for leadership and guidance,” said Det. Brian McGuigan with the EPS’ Sexual Assault Section.

“Given the historic nature of these occurrences, our investigators are letting members of the public know that it’s ok to come forward and share your experiences with us. We want to ensure that we investigate any additional reports of events that happened in Edmonton so that we can be a part of meaningful healing for this community and those who may have been harmed by this individual.”

Whitney is denying the allegations of sexual assault.

In a statement addressed to the Tsuut’ina community, he says the criminal allegations against him are false and he intends to continue on in his role as chief.

“I will fully cooperate with any lawful proceedings to ensure the facts are made clear,” reads the statement. “Until that time, I ask our citizens and the public to withhold judgment and avoid speculation.”

Whitney has served a dozen non-consecutive terms as chief of the nation that lies on Calgary’s southwest city limits. He was first elected in the 1980s and was most recently re-elected in November 2022.

EPS said given Whitney’s employment and the historical allegations of sexual assault, investigators believe there may be additional complainants.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.