Former N.W.T. priest gets 2 years jail for indecent assault against child in Fort Simpson 40 years ago

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it. 

A former N.W.T. priest began a two-year sentence Monday for a crime dating back four decades. 

Camille Piché pleaded guilty in N.W.T. territorial court to indecent assault against a child while working as a priest in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. 

According to an agreed statement of facts read in court on Monday, Piché was working at the Sacred Heart Church in Fort Simpson when he developed a friendship with the victim's parents and made regular visits to their home. 

The agreed statement of facts refers to Piché as a pastor though his role in the Roman Catholic Church is more commonly referred to as a priest.  

On two of those occasions, in 1981 and 1982, Piché sat next to the victim on their living room couch. The victim was covered by a blanket and Piché admitted he put his hand under the blanket, under the child's pants and touched the child's genitalia. 

Piché told the victim not to say anything about the incidents, according to the agreed statement of facts.

The victim told the court that the trauma from the incidents resulted in years of anxiety and depression. 

"It has held me down for 40 years," the individual said in a victim impact statement Monday. "This has changed me forever."

They said that Piché was supposed to teach virtues like goodness and trust but instead made them feel fearful, angry and ashamed. The victim said they learned those virtues on their own and that they're working hard to be best they can for their family. 

The territorial court judge accepted the Crown prosecutor and defence counsel's joint recommendation of two years in custody followed by two years of probation. 

Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian says that for his communities the sentence brings closure.

"Even though we were hurt we still have heart and a strong spirit and we need to move on with our lives," he said. "Now it's all about trying to figure out what would forgiveness mean, and if there's room for forgiveness."

Father Ken Thorson with OMI Lacombe Canada said in a statement to CBC News that his congregation apologizes to those who have had their trust betrayed. 

"While we recognize that this sentencing decision cannot erase the damage suffered, we strongly believe that these decisions are best reached independently, in the court of law. It has always been our hope that this process would provide some level of justice and accountability to the victim," Thorson said.  

He said that upon being made aware of the allegations against Piché, the former priest was removed from public ministry and placed on "active monitoring." 

"We wish to recognize the courage that it takes to come forward with allegations of this nature and are committed to continue taking every step to increase accountability with respect to the sad legacy of clergy abuse."