The Edmonton Police Service has charged the Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation, Roy Albert Whitney, in connection with two historical sexual assaults dating back to 1994 and 2005.Police say the two alleged assaults involved adult male victims, both members of Tsuut’ina Nation on the outskirts of Calgary, but unknown to one another.In the first case, a 33-year-old man reported he was sexually assaulted in early 1994 in the area of 178 St. and 87 Ave. in Edmonton. The second case involves a 38-year-old man who reported he was assaulted in the summer of 2005 near Stony Plain Rd and 178 St.Police began investigating the 1994 incident in November 2024, followed by a second investigation launched in May 2025 after the 2005 report came to light..On Wednesday, Roy Albert Whitney, 71, was arrested in Calgary and 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 issued a statement Thursday afternoon."I unequivocally deny these allegations — they are false and without merit," he 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. Until that time, I ask our citizens and the public to withhold judgment and avoid speculation."Police believe there may be more complainants and are urging anyone with information to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. EPS says support services are available for those who come forward.The Calgary Police Service assisted EPS in the arrest and ongoing investigation.
