MMF starts independent investigation into retired priest

The Manitoba Metis Federation is now planning to conduct its own independent investigation into the retired priest now charged with indecent assault.

Last Friday, Manitoba RCMP said that retired 92-year-old priest Arthur Masse was arrested at his home in Winnipeg and faces charges connected with a historic complaint at the former Fort Alexander Residential School on Sagkeeng First Nation. Police say the offence took place when the victim was a 10-year-old student at the school between 1968 and 1970.

“That’s a shocker right now. It has shocked many people,” said David Chartrand, President, Manitoba Metis Federation.

Chartrand says Masse was active in the Metis community, including Duck Lake and Camperville for two decades. He says he wants to have everyone’s voice heard in this investigation, as he said he’s heard different opinions on this matter.

“A lot of people are saying, ‘No. Father Masse was with me privately. I’m a girl and he never touched me; he never did nothing.’ So, hearing the one side right now, many people are shocked and surprised that this is Father Masse, the one that they knew. The one that taught them how to play the organ, the one that taught them how to be alter boys and girls and had private sessions with them. So far, I’ve heard no sexual advances of any sort.”

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Chartrand said the federation is planning to hire someone to lead the investigation and is hoping to begin the process of talking with people who knew Masse quickly. He says once they complete the investigation, they will be transparent with their findings and share it with everyone.

“We will share with the RCMP, we will share with the Arch-bishops to make sure and will ensure everybody knows what our prove found and we want to know the good and the bad. If it does exist out there, we want to hear it,” said Chartrand.

Masse was released with conditions by authorities last week and is scheduled to appear in court on July 20 in Powerview.

“The victim, in this case, has endured a lot throughout the investigative process and has stood firm in speaking out about what happened to her,” said Sgt. Paul Manaigre, Manitoba RCMP spokesperson.

Sgt. Paul Manaigre mentioned last Friday in the press conference that more than eight investigators worked on the case, including obtaining 75 witness and victim statements.

“The question may be asked why with all this work, was there one charge laid and not many? Unfortunately, due to the passage of time, many victims are not able to participate in the investigation whether that would be for mental or physical reasons, or the victim is now deceased.”

With Masse spending roughly two decades in Red River Metis villages, Chartrand is wanting the voices of the Metis people heard in this process.

“Let those people speak and give them a place to voice their issues and feel safe.”