The leader of Gull Bay First Nation in northwestern Ontario, Wilfred King, faces charges of sexual assault following his arrest by the Thunder Bay Police Service. Court documents obtained by CBC News reveal that King, 61, has been charged with one count of sexual assault for an alleged incident that occurred between Aug. 1, 1992, and Sept. 30, 1992, in Thunder Bay. It is important to note that the allegations against King have not been proven in court.
Despite the charges, King was recently re-elected as chief of Gull Bay, also known as Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, garnering 292 votes compared to the second-place candidate’s 60 votes. Gull Bay is an Ojibway community situated on the western shores of Lake Nipigon, approximately 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, with a population of fewer than 400 residents. King is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14.
For individuals affected by sexual assault, support is available through resources such as the Faye Peterson House’s 24/7 crisis support line in Thunder Bay at 807-345-0450 or 1-800-465-6971, or via text message at 807-700-5011. Additional crisis lines and local support services can be accessed through the government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. In cases of immediate danger or fear for safety, individuals are urged to call 911.