Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Emmet Crowchild charged with sexual assault

Emmet Crowchild is seen in a photo on the Tsuut’ina Nation website. (Tsuut’ina Nation)

A Tsuut’ina Nation minor chief has been charged with sexual assault, marking the second time this year that a political leader on the nation has been charged with the crime.

Court documents obtained by CTV News show Emmet Crowchild is charged in relation to a February incident “at or near” Tsuut’ina Nation.

Crowchild, 54, first appeared in court on Aug. 20.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

When reached by text message Friday, he would only say “no comments.”

The Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service also declined to comment.

Crowchild is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 17.

Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney was charged with two counts of sexual assault last month.

The alleged offences involve two adult males in Edmonton in 1994 and 2005.

Police said they were notified about the first alleged assault in November 2024 and, during the investigation, learned about the second alleged assault this past May.

Whitney, 71, was arrested in Calgary.

At the time, Whitney issued a statement saying he unequivocally denied the “false” allegations.

CTV News has also learned Whitney is on administrative leave from his role of head chief.

Andy Onespot has taken over as the acting chief.

“The Tsuut’ina Nation Council is aware that Minor Chief Emmet Crowchild has been charged with an offence,” Onespot said in a statement. “We are not aware of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.”

“As this is a personal matter, the council will not be making further comment at this time.”

Tsuut’ina will hold chief and council elections on Nov. 20.

In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault.

Anyone who wishes to report can call police at 403-266-1234.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.