Manitoba priest’s indecent assault trial begins in Winnipeg
Posted March 7, 2023 2:20 pm.
Last Updated March 7, 2023 2:25 pm.
WARNING: Contains details some readers may find disturbing.
A trial has begun for a 93-year-old former priest accused of assaulting a 10-year-old Indigenous girl at a Manitoba residential school more than 50 years ago.
Arthur Masse has been charged with one count of indecent assault, which allegedly took place at the Fort Alexander Residential School north of Winnipeg between 1968 and 1970.
Victoria McIntosh was the first to testify at a two-day, judge-alone trial overseen by Court of King’s Bench Justice Candace Grammond.
McIntosh swore on an eagle feather after she took the stand.
BACKGROUND:
- Indigenous woman says she feels heard as accused priest has first court appearance
- MMF starts independent investigation into retired priest
- Manitoba RCMP charge 92-year-old priest in residential school case
McIntosh testified the priest cornered her in a bathroom before assaulting her. A victim of this type of crime normally remains anonymous, but McIntosh wanted to speak publicly.
“(Masse) came in,” she recalled. “He picked me up. He tried to fondle me and he tried to kiss me. Well, he actually did.
“I was scared and nauseated at the same time. I slipped away from him and I ran out of there.”
McIntosh testified she was in the bathroom at the school when she heard someone enter. She said she recognized it was Masse because of his collar. The priest then opened the stall door, she told court.
“It just happened so quick. I just felt him there and I was terrified,” said McIntosh.
WATCH: MMF conducting independent investigation
She said the alleged assault lasted approximately a minute, during which Masse used one his forearms to hold her against a wall while he used his other hand to “fondle” her above her clothing.
Before she was able to get away, McIntosh said Masse kissed her quickly and roughly on her face.
“He said: ‘Don’t say nothing,”’ said McIntosh.
RCMP charged Masse last summer following a criminal investigation that started in 2011. He quietly entered his plea of not guilty as his trial began Tuesday.
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help residential school survivors and their relatives suffering trauma invoked by the recall of past abuse. The number is 1-866-925-4419.
