Community rallies as Curtis Sagmoen back in Vernon court
Sagmoen’s arraignment hearing for assault charges has been set for February.
People all over the Okanagan and Secwepemc spent the morning preparing their ribbon skirts, signs, and posters in preparation for another court date for Curtis Sagmoen.
Sagmoen faces assault charges due to an incident that occured between him and RCMP officer, Cpl. Kovacs on Oct, 29, 2020 in the Spallumcheen area. He was charged with Assault of a Peace Officer.
Sagmoen did not show up to the courthouse today but youth, men and women, some travelling for hours, did. After a brief appearance by his lawyer, Sagmoen’s arraignment hearing, where he will plead either guilty or not guilty, was set for Feb. 11, 2021.
Once word reached the group that he was not there some decided to go to the Sagmoen’s property on Salmon River Road.
“He didn’t come today, so we will go to him,” one youth, who didn’t want to be identified due to safety concerns said to IndigiNews.
IndigiNews followed as the group of mostly Syilx and Secwepemc youth drove from the courthouse to the Sagmoen farm. When they arrived they laid down medicine, hung a red dress and together repeated “we will not stop until we have answers, no justice, no peace!”
Long history
In addition to the current charges, Sagmoen is currently on probation, after he was convicted of assault causing bodily harm in June of 2020 for assaulting a sex worker in 2017 on the Sagmoen family farm property just outside of Enderby, B.C.
The three year probation sentence involves many conditions including consent to inspection of devices at any given moment, no consumption intoxicating substances, as well as no contact direct or indirect with sex trade workers.
In 2017, the remains of 18 year-old Traci Genereaux were uncovered at the Sagmoen farm where Curtis and his parents currently reside. No charges have been laid in that case.
In a separate case in 2019, Sagmoen was found guilty of three charges involving a woman who came to the property to provide “companion” services. She testified that when she arrived at the property Sagmoen jumped out of the bushes with a gun. He was convicted of disguising his face with intent to commit an offence, use of a firearm during an offence and possession of a controlled substance.
On Oct. 21, 2020, the RCMP released a public warning to sex trade workers after a rise in suspicious activity near the farm was being circulated on private Facebook groups in the area.
“Police are warning any person involved in the sex trade not respond to any requests for their services, and not engage in any activity, in the Salmon River Road area,” the release states.
The release shared that Sagmoen’s probation conditions include not having “contact in any way with any sex trade worker, escort, or person offering paid dating or companion services.”
“In the interest of safety, we are releasing a photo of Sagmoen. We are requesting anyone who receives a request for sex related services in the area of Salmon River Road, not attend the area, and contact police immediately,” shared Cst. Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP in the release.
Those who rallied today say they intend on returning for Sagmoen’s arraignment hearing in February.
Author
We live in a media ecosystem that thrives on misinformation. Big Tech and AI companies are consuming the work of real human beings and Canadian news has been banned on Facebook and Instagram.
And yet, I have hope for journalism because of the work we’re doing at IndigiNews.
At IndigiNews, we embody tâpwêwin — the Cree value of integrity and responsibility in truth-telling. We are committed to our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom rooted in community, accountability, and relationality. We believe storytelling is a sacred fire that connects our pasts, presents, and futures through the storytellers in our Storytelling Lodge. IndigiNews creates space for Indigenous journalists, storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, and communities to gather, learn, and share stories that matter.
As a registered charity, we are building a fire that allows our work not just to ignite but to thrive. Rather than relying on advertising or corporate acquisition, IndigiNews is sustained by people like you who believe Indigenous stories are important for the future of our communities.
Your support is making a real difference.
Our community of supporters, our Firekeepers, make it possible to grow our newsroom, publish award-winning journalism, train emerging Indigenous journalists through initiatives like the ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship, and publish trustworthy stories that serve our communities across the country. Every story we publish helps fill in gaps left by mainstream media and ensures Indigenous perspectives are represented with care, accuracy and respect.
But there is still more work to do.
As the media landscape becomes more and more uncertain, community support is as necessary and essential as it’s ever been. Every new Firekeeper helps protect the independence of our newsroom and strengthens journalism that is accountable to our many and varied communities over corporations.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become a Firekeeper.
Firekeepers tend to and protect the sacred fire. Your monthly contributions directly support IndigiNews’s Storytelling Lodge, helps sustain our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom, and ensures future generations of Indigenous storytellers have the resources they need to do the work.
As a registered Canadian charity, all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you believe Indigenous stories matter, if you value independent journalism, and if you want to help build a strong future for Indigenous media, we invite you to join our circle of Firekeepers today.
Together, we can keep the fire burning.
— Eden Fineday, Publisher, IndigiNews
Support us nowLatest Stories
-
In Simpcw First Nation, Secwe̓pemc women are revitalizing hide tanning
Working with animal pelts is a lengthy, labour-intensive process — but teachers in the ‘B.C.’ community are ensuring the tradition is passed on
-
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in celebrates as Gavin McKenna picked first in NHL draft
The 18-year-old left winger from the ‘Yukon’ joined the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, saying he wants to inspire other young Indigenous players
