By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

More meetings planned between Lethbridge, Blood Tribe

Oct 12, 2016 | 11:13 AM

LETHBRIDGE — Calling it the first meeting of several, Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman says a discussion Tuesday with the Blood Tribe council will help try to take a positive out of a tragedy.

On the weekend the Blood Tribe Council issued a statement sending its thoughts to a 25-year-old woman and her family following an assault in Lethbridge that has left her fighting for her life. The accused is a member of the Blood Tribe, and the statement expressed concern about possible retribution.

“We have to recognize these were the actions of an individual, not of a community, that led to this tragic situation,” Spearman said. “So anyone who feels threatened, anyone with concerns should contact either the Blood Tribe Police or the city police and calls will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”

He said not enough has been done to address the root causes of violence, including the racism and discrimination that can limit access to jobs, education, and housing, so they will work together to try to create equal opportunities.

At the same time Spearman said they have also committed to make sure people aren’t lashing out, with either words or actions.

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“Everything that’s been investigated to this point has been unfounded in terms of threats of violence and actual violence, other than the initial incident,” he said. “But we want to monitor the situation and make sure people continue to feel safe.

“Everyone needs to be responsible with what they say on social media. No one should be threatening recriminations against Indigenous people. In return I think we need to make sure what is posted on social media is accurate and truthful.”

The Blood Tribe has an election coming up in November. Spearman said the city and the new council will meet several times afterwards.

When asked if he feels people’s sense of safety has been affected by the attack, Spearman described it as an isolated case, and doesn’t feel that it’s left people feeling less safe in Lethbridge.

by Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

More meetings planned between Lethbridge, Blood Tribe

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