By James Bowler

Montreal Lake chief speaks out about Marlene Bird assault

Jun 19, 2014 | 7:10 AM

While support continues to pour in for Marlene Bird in Prince Albert, residents on Montreal Lake Cree Nation, where she is from, are showing their support as well.

“We’re meeting this afternoon with the family and looking at opening a trust, so that any donations that are being put together can be put into,” said Montreal Lake Chief Edward Henderson on Wednesday.

Henderson said that he has only been passing along information shared in the media with his community.

“I’ve been keeping in contact with the mother and the aunt, we’re not giving too much information out to the members, just what everybody else knows,” said Henderson.

“We’ve limited the visitations at the hospital because nobody has been apprehended yet, so we’re worried about Marlene’s safety.”

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According to Henderson, he and Bird would speak often and sometimes meet for coffee.

“She kept in contact, she would call me at least one or twice every two weeks and let me know where she was at and how things were going with her,” said Henderson. “I’d go meet her when she wanted coffee at Tim Hortons and she wanted to talk.”

He said that he is very angry over what has happened to Bird.

“I was sick and I was mad at the individual that would do that to another individual and just leave them like that,” said Henderson. “Marlene, she was a great person, she kept to herself and never bothered or never did any harm to anybody. I couldn’t believe it was her.”

Henderson said that from what he’s heard from the family they are very appreciative of all the support from community members and everyone else.

“The family is happy that people are sending donations and sending cards and get-well letters and everything else,” said Henderson. “They’re still concerned about Marlene’s safety right now, not knowing who or if it’s one person or more. Just keeping the list of the visitors at the hospital to a minimum until someone is apprehended.”

“We’ve got a good relationship with [Prince Albert Police Service] Chief Troy Cooper, and he’s keeping us informed,” said Henderson. “We’re just hoping that something happens and somebody will get caught for what happened to Marlene.”

Donations can be made through the YWCA and police are still looking for any information regarding the case. Anyone with information can call the Prince Albert Police Service at 953-4222 or 1-800-CrimeStoppers.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim