Calgary, Alberta – A Siksika man has been sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for his involvement in a brutal stabbing that left a Calgary woman covered in blood from head to toe. The sentence was handed down by Justice Mark Tyndale, who took into account the tragic Indigenous background of Troy Eagle Tail Feathers.
Tyndale noted that while Eagle Tail Feathers had a difficult upbringing, the fact that his victim was a vulnerable Indigenous woman was a significant aggravating factor in the case. The judge acknowledged the tension between two Criminal Code sections when both the offender and victim are Indigenous.
Despite Eagle Tail Feathers’ troubled past, the judge considered multiple aggravating factors that warranted a sentence above the three years proposed by the defense. The court found Eagle Tail Feathers guilty of aggravated assault, kidnapping, and driving while disqualified in connection to an attack on Colynda Beardy.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating that Eagle Tail Feathers’ active involvement in the offenses demonstrated a high level of moral culpability. With credit for pre-sentencing custody, Eagle Tail Feathers has another 31 months to serve. His sister, Patricia Eagle Tail Feathers, who also played a role in the attack, is set to be sentenced next week.
In his decision, Tyndale highlighted the historical impact of colonialism, displacement, and residential schools on Indigenous communities, leading to various social challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. The judge underscored the need to consider these factors when sentencing Indigenous individuals involved in criminal cases.
Overall, the case exemplifies the complex intersection of Indigenous identity, historical trauma, and the Canadian legal system. The sentencing of Eagle Tail Feathers reflects the ongoing dialogue around Indigenous justice and the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals within the criminal justice system.