Representatives of the Blood Tribe say the band has been the target of public outrage after an aboriginal man was charged in connection with a recent assault that left a woman in hospital fighting for her life.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the Blood Tribe Chief and Council said they were saddened to hear of the attack that occurred in Lethbridge in the early morning hours of Friday, September 30 and that their thoughts and prayers with the victim and the victim’s family.
“We are also concerned about what appears to be backlash from some sectors of the Lethbridge community when the person arrested in relation to this crime was identified as being from the Blood Tribe,” said Blood Tribe officials in the statement. “We do not condone violence of any kind and are working hard in our community to address social issues”
Denzel Dre Colton Bird, a 20 -year-old Lethbridge resident who is First Nations, was arrested in connection with the attack. Bird faces charges including:
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
- Break-and-enter
Blood Tribe Council members say they are prepared to meet with Lethbridge officials to discuss the troubling backlash against band members.
“We are advising any person who experiences any type of threat or adverse encounter related to this matter to contact the nearest police service and respective local government authority.”
In their statement, Blood Tribe officials say the tribe ‘has been a good neighbour and is committed to maintaining its role and its relationships in the best interests of all concerned’.
