SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A former Tlicho grand chief who has been charged with sexual assault pleaded not guilty in Yellowknife territorial court on Tuesday.

Joe Rabesca, 61, appeared in territorial court Tuesday to enter a plea of not guilty to a charge of sexual assault. His trial has been set for April 27 in Behchoko. - NNSL file photo

Joe Rabesca, 61, had his trial set for Behchoko on April 27, 2011 at 10 a.m.

Crown prosecutor Janice Walsh told Judge Bernadette Schmaltz the trial would take "half to a full day." Rabesca, who does not have a permanent lawyer for the case yet, was represented by Paul Falvo on Tuesday.

News/North previously reported that Rabesca walked out of a government assembly meeting in Behchoko in mid-October, indicating he wanted three months off from his elected position as grand chief to spend time in the bush. He told News/North he was frustrated with the lack of support he was getting from other community chiefs and some members of the executive council members, and that he believed he was being forced out of his position.

On Oct. 25, Rabesca appeared before a justice of the peace in Behchoko to answer to the charge of sexual assault and was granted bail. On Nov. 30, he agreed to have no direct or indirect contact with the complainant and to stay at least 50 metres from her residence or her place of employment. He was also ordered not to possess or consume alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.

Rabesca was scheduled to enter a plea on the charge on Jan. 25, but Judge Garth Malakoe adjourned the matter to Feb. 15. Rabesca was elected grand chief in September 2009 after spending 30 years with the Tlicho government.

Also on Tuesday the Tlicho government held its nomination meeting, beginning the process to elect a new grand chief. Nominated for the position are former Behchoko chief Leon Lafferty, former NWT MLA James Wah-Shee, and Jasper Lamouelle of Behchoko.

- with files from Katie May

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