‘Traumatizing’: Alberta girl has lip bitten off in school assault, two teens charged

Two teens are facing charges after a bullying incident that saw a girl's bottom lip bitten off at a Siksika Nation school.

WARNING: The content of this story contains graphic details and images.

The mother of a southern Alberta teenager says her family is traumatized after her daughter was bullied, beaten and had part of her lip bitten off during an assault at her high school last week.

Ashley Brass says the attack took place on Thursday morning at Siksika Nation High School, located about 90 kilometres southeast of Calgary, near Gleichen, Alta.

“I think my daughter was just really failed,” Brass told CTV News. “She was first attacked on the bus and I think maybe a bus report should have been done and we wouldn’t be here. And then it just carried on into the school.”

Brass says her 16-year-old had part of her lower lip bitten off in the attack. The injury was stitched up and the lip was reattached, but an appointment with a plastic surgeon will determine whether an additional surgery is needed in the future.

The healing process will last at more than one year, Brass said, adding her daughter still doesn’t have any sensation in her lower lip and jaw.

“It’s traumatizing... It’s traumatizing for my whole family,” she said.

Gleichen RCMP confirmed officers were called to investigate the assault on May 14 and charged two young people.

A 15-year-old male was charged with assault, while a 16-year-old female faces charges of assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.

“For the charge of aggravated assault, one of the main grounds for it is that the injuries (have to be) serious in nature — to maim, disfigure an individual — which, in this case, biting a large chunk of a lip does fit,” said Sgt. Josh Argue with Gleichen RCMP.

Both accused teens — who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — were released from custody on several conditions, including to have no contact with the victim.

They are scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday.

“A lot of us here are parents and we want to know that our kids can go to school and be safe and as safe as possible. When an incident like this happens, undoubtedly everyone is going to be concerned,” Argue said.

In a statement, the Siksika Board of Education (SBE) says it is working with RCMP and will be increasing the level of supports at the school for the remainder of the year.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families is SBE’s highest priority. We are working with the Gleichen RCMP and Chief and Council to ensure supports are in place for those who need them,” said SBE chair Darrel Daniels.

The school board is also hosting a pair of community listening sessions for parents, guardians, students and staff as it works to determine next steps to ensure safety at schools.