Jimmy Tutcho, a resident of Deline but currently working in Colville Lake, was assaulted as he was returning to his room.

According to the inn's manager, Nicky Richards, the assault took place while staff were changing shifts between 2 and 3 a.m., Jan. 14. A desk clerk at the inn didn't notice anything amiss, and staff didn't hear about the incident until later that morning.

Cpl. Ken Boone with the RCMP detachment in Norman Wells said the victim was badly beaten about the face, and may have sustained a broken nose.

His injuries were deemed serious enough that, after receiving treatment at the Norman Wells Health Centre, he was sent to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. He was conscious, however, and boarded the plane under his own power.

At press time, RCMP were still searching for suspects. They are asking the public to contact them if they have any information about the incident.

The Yamouri Inn is offering a reward for up to $2,500. The Deline Land Corporation and Ernie MacDonald Land Corporation in Norman Wells are chipping another $500 each for information leading to a conviction.

Richards said she heard from Tutcho that the beating and robbery involved two male assailants.

"The poor guy ... He's somebody who couldn't even defend himself," said Richards. "He (is) an older man, but he also has no use of his arms. He can kind of use his hands, but he can't use his arms. So it was just as bad as beating up a woman, really."

Daniel Walton, executive director of the Deline Land Corporation, said people in his hometown are also upset.

"He's in his fifties, his arms aren't very good so he's not very physically fit to fend off any attackers," said Walton.

Tutcho, who at press time had yet to return to Colville Lake, could not be reached for comment.