The Lethbridge School Division has provided an update regarding the football program at Chinook High School following an alleged sexual assault. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge School Division provides update on Chinook High School football team

Oct 16, 2023 | 3:29 PM

Warning: This story may contain information that may be disturbing to some.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge School Division has provided an update regarding the football program at Chinook High School following an alleged sexual assault.

On October 3, 2023, four suspects were charged with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and unlawful confinement. As they are all under the age of 18, their names cannot be released due to provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

In the statement, dated October 16, 2023, the school division said, “We have all been deeply impacted by the distressing nature of the recent incident that occurred at Chinook High School and the severity of the criminal charges.”

The statement also read, “Our students and student-athletes should expect to be safe within our schools, and while participating in school-sponsored activities. The incident involving a group of players in the football program at Chinook is evidence our Division has work to do to fully realize this expectation.

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In the days that followed, the football program resumed at the school with practices and team activities continuing. However, at this time, the football team has not been cleared to return to game action.

The school board said it will continue to consult with experts in responding to trauma, and with parents, as it makes decisions about gameplay for the team.

New measures are now in place to help protect the members of the team and to “create a welcoming atmosphere as the team activities return.”

The new measures include:

• Enhanced supervision and safety practices for all team activities.
• Trauma-informed activities to help us better understand what led to this incident.
• Education related to positive team culture and relationships.
• Enhanced wellness supports for members of the football team.

The school division has brought in Kevin Cameron from the Centre for Trauma-Informed Practices to assist the team moving forward.

The school division said, “Moving forward, Chinook High School and Lethbridge School Division are committed to enhancing learning opportunities for all athletes involved in sports, to better establish and maintain welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environments for all.”

The school division has also put together a list of resources outside of the school community that can be contacted for help.

• The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre – 403-694-1094 (the centre supports those who have experienced sexual violence)
• Lethbridge Family Services – 403-327-5724
• AHS Mental Health – 1-877-303-2642 or this this link: AHS
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 (text 686868)

READ MORE: Suspects in Lethbridge high school sex assault released from custody with conditions

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