Tsuut’ina Nation leadership is temporarily barring media from entering the Nation’s lands, citing deep concerns over the potential harm media coverage could cause in the wake of a human trafficking investigation involving underage Indigenous girls.
In a directive issued to the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service (TNPS), Senior Operations Officer Andrew Onespot Jr. asked officers to enforce a no-media policy aimed at protecting the emotional and cultural safety of Tsuut’ina members.
The decision follows the arrest of nine men, none of whom are Tsuut’ina citizens, after a joint undercover operation between TNPS and Calgary Police at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. The accused are facing serious charges linked to the alleged targeting of Indigenous youth for exploitation.
Leadership emphasized the decision is not about silencing or specifically banning media, but rather about safeguarding community members, particularly survivors and families who may be re-traumatized by public attention.
The Nation also cited the importance of respecting cultural protocols and community privacy, maintaining public safety, and protecting vulnerable youth and families.
Tsuut’ina leadership has expressed gratitude to the Nation’s police service for its role in the operation and continues to prioritize healing, safety, and culturally grounded responses for those affected.
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