The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is banning two men for life from their events.
In a media release FSIN said Cecil Wolf and Nathan Lee Chasing Horse are not welcome at FSIN pow wows, spiritual practices or any other events. Wolf is facing a number of charges of sexual assault, it is alleged he misrepresented himself as being a traditional medicine man in order to gain access to his victims. Chasing Horse, an actor who was in the movie Dances with Wolves, was arrested recently at his home in Las Vegas and is facing a range of sex abuse related charges. Chasing Horse was known to be a regular on the pow wow circuit in both the United States and Canada.
FSIN Fourth Vice Chief Heather Bear said women and girls are cherished as life givers and the backbone of First Nations society. Bear also called for the victims to be supported.
“We must all take a stand to speak out against abuse and support the victims,” she said.
FSIN Third Vice Chief Aly Bear as well expressed her support for the victims while condemning the crimes. Bear added it is upsetting to hear about people using their status to hurt others.
“It is especially disturbing when people of power and status prey on our women and girls,” she said.