Mother of a First Nations hockey player killed says she has no anger toward accused

Melodie Hunt-Ayoungman and her family wanted to be in court for Brandon Daniel Giffen's first appearance at Strathmore Provincial Court Friday morning.

Giffen — who is from Strathmore — is one of two men accused of killing Hunt-Ayoungman's son.

Kristian Ayoungman was shot and killed on March 17 around 3:30 a.m., RCMP and EMS responded to a call out to a rural highway near Strathmore.

Brandon Daniel Giffen and Kody Allan Giffen are both charged with first degree murder, Alberta RCMP say.

Ayoungman was a Siksika Nation member and Junior B Hockey player for the Siksika Buffaloes senior AA hockey team and former player with Strathmore's Wheatland Kings.

Ayongman's mother, Hunt-Ayoungman, sent a letter to Siksika chief and council last night describing her son.

"My son was not about this tragic event that happened which took his life, he was such a good kid all throughout his life and all those who knew him know that to be true. In his young, short life, he evidently touched many lives, Kristian's life ended way too soon in this senseless crime," the letter reads.

"I want to ensure that the future for my remaining children, the victims, and all of Siksika feel safe as we move forward from this tragic event and that we can continue to have good relations with the town of Strathmore."

Ayoungman's death in Strathmore has made some of their Siksika neighbours nervous.

But, in a letter to the Siksika Leadership, his mother says she wants to move forward from the tragedy — and doesn't want people to fear going into town.

Hunt-Ayoungman requested Siksika Nation councillor Reuben Breaker to speak on her behalf.

"We as council, support the family and the mother, there is a message that the mother has stated that there is no revenge, anger and that anything that is said from here on by anybody. We have to be careful as the investigation is sensitive," Breaker said.  

Breaker expressed there is fear from some Siksika Nation members to go to Strathmore.

"We as leadership took the initiative and the town of Strathmore reached out to us to meet and reassure both communities that we are going to work together to make sure nothing like this happens again," said the Siksika Councillor.

Siksika chief and council will be working with the town of Strathmore to move forward with a positive relationship,  Breaker said.

The Siksika leader expressed the young hockey star was a role model within the Siksika and Strathmore community.

Pat Fule, Strathmore mayor, said the town is behind its Siksika Nation Neighbors.

"We stand united to show our support because we share their grief, they are our neighbors and friends," he said.

"The town of Strathmore is very sorry that this happened, our town council and the tribal council have never been as strong as they are now [...] we are waiting to see the court process and the investigation proceed," said the Strathmore Mayor.

Kody Allan Giffen appeared in court earlier this week, both accused will enter a plea April 16.