Marlene Bird suffered a vicious attack in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Family photo

A woman from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation is speaking to the media for the first time since she was viciously attacked last month.

Marlene Bird, 47, suffered severe burns over her body and her lower legs had to be amputated. She has had reconstructive surgery on her face and is recovering in a hospital in Saskatchewan.

A 29-year-old man, Leslie Ivan Roderick Black, has been charged with ttempted murder and aggravated sexual assault for the June 1 incident. Bird believes another person may have also been involved and wants to speak to investigators again.

"That detective came to me too soon," Bird told CBC News. "I wasn't in my right mind. He came too soon and I wasn't thinking. 'Cause I really didn't want to think about that attack. I told him, 'I don't know. I don't know.' Later on, I started thinking."

Bird said she is grateful for the support she has received from the public. She has received numerous offers for assistance once she gets out of the hospital.

"I just wanted to thank everybody for giving me the cards and supporting me, and [for] the walks," Bird told CBC. "Because I used to see people like this too, and I would want to help too, 'cause it doesn't feel good to be disabled."

Black used to live on the Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, The Globe and Mail reported.

Get the Story:
Marlene Bird fears loss of independence following horrific assault (CBC 7/16)
Nation cares about Marlene Bird (The Prince Albert Daily Herald 7/16)
Accused in brutal assault on homeless native woman has criminal history (The Globe and Mail 7/16)
Accused in Marlene Bird assault stays in custody (The Prince Albert Daily Herald 7/16)
Accused in Marlene Bird assault remains in custody (CJME 7/16)
Public support lifts Bird's spirits (The Regina Leader-Post 7/14)
Suspected Marlene Bird attacker arrested (CBC 6/29)

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Native woman remains in hospital after attack in Saskatchewan (06/16)
Native woman in stable condition after attack in Saskatchewan (06/09)