The family of a young girl who was allegedly assaulted over the weekend says she has regained consciousness.
Chief of Paul First Nation, Casey Bird, confirmed to CTV News that the grandparents informed him about her recovery, which happened on Christmas Day.
“She must have heard one of the kids talking I guess and she opened her eyes and that was the best thing. They were happy she opened her eyes.”
The young girl, whose name is not being released to protect her identity, was found on Sunday, December 20 at the Paul First Nation and was airlifted to hospital by STARS.
Investigators said she was discovered in serious condition and believe she spent several hours outside before she was found.
Twenty-one-year-old James Clifford Paul has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, attempted murder and kidnapping.
Bird said the girl’s healing process would take some time.
“Hopefully she recovers physically right away but mentally I don’t know. It’s up to the people that are going to work with her.”
He confirmed that she had the support of family and community.
“They show a lot of love. They sent a lot of prayers and all that. It showed that a lot of people cared. There is a lot of support out there for this child.”
With files from Stephanie Wiebe
