Police have charged the president of the self-governed Inuit region of Nunatsiavut in Labrador with sexual assault.

William Andersen III took a paid leave of absence in November from his role as president of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, the body that governs the semi-autonomous Inuit region in the northeast of Labrador. At the time, he cited personal reasons for the leave.

William Andersen III has been on paid leave as Nunatsiavut president since November.William Andersen III has been on paid leave as Nunatsiavut president since November.
(CBC)

Andersen faces a charge of sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman.
 
The father of the woman has said the assault happened at Andersen's house in Nain at the end of October.

However, he said his daughter has told him few other details.
 
This is not the first time Andersen has faced this type of charge. He was acquitted of a different sexual assault charge in 1990.

So far, there has been no word on whether Andersen will step down as president or remain on paid leave.

Andersen was not available to comment on Tuesday.

He will make his first court appearance in Nain in March.