Calgary, Alberta – A Siksika man has been sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for his involvement in a brutal stabbing of a Calgary woman, leaving her “covered in blood from head to toe.” Justice Mark Tyndale highlighted Troy Eagle Tail Feathers’ tragic Indigenous background as a factor that called for a more lenient sentence. However, Tyndale also noted the aggravating factor that the victim, an Indigenous woman, was vulnerable.
The case brought attention to the complexities within the Criminal Code when both the offender and victim are Indigenous. Tyndale emphasized the need to balance considerations for Indigenous offenders with the vulnerability of victims. Despite Eagle Tail Feathers’ difficult upbringing, Tyndale found multiple aggravating factors warranting a sentence closer to the Crown’s request of nearly six years.
Acknowledging the historical impacts of colonialism, displacement, and residential schools on Indigenous communities, Tyndale considered the systemic issues that contribute to the cycle of poverty, addiction, and incarceration. Reports on Eagle Tail Feathers’ past revealed a history marked by abuse, addiction, and racism, shaped by the legacy of residential schools.
Eagle Tail Feathers was convicted of aggravated assault, kidnapping, and driving while disqualified for his role in the violent attack on Colynda Beardy. Following his conviction last June, Tyndale dismissed his claims of innocence, citing his active involvement and lack of credibility in court. With credit for time served, Eagle Tail Feathers will have 31 more months in prison.
His sister, Patricia Eagle Tail Feathers, who pleaded guilty to her role in the attack, is awaiting sentencing next week. The case underscores the serious nature of the offenses committed and the impact of systemic issues on individuals and communities. The judge’s decision reflects a balance between recognizing the offender’s background and addressing the harm caused to the victim.