A former chief of the Sts’ailes First Nation has been sentenced to 15 months of probation for public mischief.
Ralph Leon was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 31, in Abbotsford for a public mischief charge stemming from a 2022 incident. Leon pleaded guilty in September.
The case involves a K file, which is a domestic incident. Under the Criminal Code, public mischief falls under Section 140, involving incidents of misleading law enforcement by false reports of crimes that did not occur. This includes “making a false statement that accuses some other person of having committed an offence” or “reporting that an offence has been committed when it has not been committed.”
Leon was also ordered to pay $100 as a victim surcharge.
Silver issued a public statement to The Observer on Sunday, Nov. 2, a few days after the sentencing. She said she arranged to pick up her belongings from their common-law residence and Leon called 911 to report a break-in at the home, which was determined to be false.
“I am grateful the judge explicitly referenced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the need to protect vulnerable people, especially Indigenous women, citing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry,” she told The Observer in an email. “This acknowledgment underscores the severity of using a position of power to weaponize a system that disproportionately harms Indigenous women.”
Silver added it was crucial that the sentencing included a component of restorative justice, acknowledging “the harm to my community standing and an opportunity to begin the arduous process of truth and healing.”
“My focus now is on my own healing, supporting my son, and rebuilding my life and integrity in the community that was threatened by these actions,” Silver stated. “I urge the community to reflect on the facts presented in court and recognize the importance of truth and integrity, especially for those in positions of leadership.”
Silver thanked those who supported her and pledged to “continue to pursue pathways that ensure the safety and dignity of Indigenous women are upheld.”
Leon was ousted from his office as Sts’ailes chief last year for unrelated offences, including misappropriating funds and unverified spending amounting to at least $50,000.
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