Edmonton police charge Tsuut'ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney with 2 counts of sexual assault

Edmonton police have charged 71-year-old Tsuut'ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney with sexual assault in relation to alleged offences against two men decades ago.

Police said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon that the first offence occurred in "the early months" of 1994, when a 33-year-old male was sexually assaulted "in the area of 178 Street and 87 Avenue in Edmonton."

The second offence is alleged to have occurred in "the summer of 2005," police said, when a 38-year-old male was sexually assaulted "in the area of Stony Plain Road and 178 Street in Edmonton."

Police say they were initially alerted to the 1994 incident in November 2024. As they investigated, they then became aware of the 2005 incident and launched a separate investigation into that incident in May of this year.

"The complainants, who are both from Tsuut'ina Nation, are known to the suspect but unknown to one another," police said.

Whitney was arrested by Edmonton police on Wednesday and charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Whitney 'unequivocally' denies the charges

Whitney's lawyer, Jim Lutz, told CBC News on Thursday his client has cooperated with the police investigation.

"For a man who's spent his life working for the nation, these are devastating allegations and ones that he adamantly denies," Lutz said.

"Any involvement with these individuals in any type of criminal capacity is completely, completely denied and he intends to defend himself vigorously in these charges."

In a written statement, Whitney said the allegations against him are "unfounded."

"I unequivocally deny these allegations — they are false and without merit," the chief said. "I have dedicated my life to serving the Tsuut'ina people with honesty, respect, and commitment. That work will not stop. I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities as chief, focusing on the needs of our community and the priorities we have set together."

"I believe in truth and due process, and I will fully cooperate with any lawful proceedings to ensure the facts are made clear," Whitney added. "Until that time, I ask our citizens and the public to withhold judgment and avoid speculation."

'There may be additional complainants'

"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," Det. Brian McGuigan with the Edmonton Police Service's Sexual Assault Section said in the news release.

"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."

Edmonton police also said "there may be additional complainants" and are asking "anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused" to reach out to them at at 780-423-4567 or by dialling #377 from a mobile phone.

Edmonton police said the Calgary Police Service assisted in the investigations.

Tsuu'tina Nation is located on Calgary's southwest city limits.