Family of eight year old Alberta girl found in hockey bag delivers victim impact statements at sentencing hearing

Family members of an eight year old Alberta girl whose body was discovered in a hockey bag on the Samson Cree Nation are delivering emotional victim impact statements as a sentencing hearing continues in an Alberta court.

Relatives of Nina Napope described the child as kind and loving, telling the court that her siblings continue to ask where she is and struggle to understand her absence. The statements are being presented as part of sentencing proceedings for Ashley Rattlesnake, who was previously charged in connection with the girl’s death.

Court heard earlier that Nina had endured chronic abuse and neglect while in Rattlesnake’s care. Her body was found in 2023 inside a hockey bag in the back of a truck in Maskwacis, a community south of Edmonton. The case drew significant attention across Alberta and renewed discussion about child protection systems in Indigenous communities.

The tragedy prompted calls from community leaders and advocates for stronger safeguards for vulnerable children and improved coordination between social services and First Nations authorities. Maskwacis, home to several Cree Nations, has faced longstanding concerns related to child welfare oversight and access to support services.

The sentencing hearing is expected to continue as the court considers the impact on Nina’s family and the broader community.