A 27-year-old Watson Lake woman is facing a charge of attempted murder following a stabbing at the Help and Hope for Families Women’s Shelter in the southeast Yukon community.

RCMP Sgt. Cam Lockwood of the Watson Lake detachment said early this afternoon the incident occurred just before midnight on Saturday, involving an unprovoked attack with a knife.

The 21-year-old shelter worker was stabbed. She was able to escape into a secure area and drive herself to the Watson Lake Hospital, where she was treated and released Sunday, Lockwood said.

He said Ashley Minnie Chief, who was a resident at the shelter, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

She was arrested at the shelter and appeared in Watson Lake court Sunday by telephone. Chief was remanded into custody in Whitehorse.

She was scheduled to make another appearance this afternoon.

“The Watson Lake detachment, with the assistance of the Watson Lake Victim’s Services (staff), are working to ensure that the victim is getting the support she needs as this matter continues to be investigated,” police said in a press release.