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I nompoluipoo Merl -oupoo-.. 1&, -ou tt).tla..tale"t tk-- Ar..c... tt t-i tta. -`11/t b,t1z teurt tin FIRST NATIONS POLICING litleadtge WHAT'S INSIDE NEWS ACROSS THE NATION p. 2 WAYWAYSEECAPPO OPENS RCMP-FNCPS DETACHMENT p. 3 RCMP ABORIGINAL SHEILD PROGRAM p. 4 OPP HONOURED FOR CREATION OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM p. 4 DITIDAHT POLICE SERVICE p. 5 SIGNING OF MKO FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT p. 6 LIST OF FIRST NATIONS POLICE WEBSITES p. 6 The First Nations Policing Update is an occasional bulletin designed to share information and to update readers on developments in Eirst Nations policing. This newsletter, along with past issues, can be found online at: www.sgc.gc.ca/whoweare/aboriginalibmenu.htm. Feedback on the Update is welcome. The Aboriginal Policing Directorate can be contacted at: Aboriginal Policing Directorate Solicitor General Canada 340 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, Ontario KIA OP8 Phone (613) 991-5573 Website: http://www.sgc.gc.ca Cat. No.: J542-58/12-2001 SUBMISSIONS The First Nations Policing lipdate encourages submissions from First Nation Police Services on innovative community projects and initiatives. October 2001 No.121" Should you have an article that would be of interest to other First Nations, please contact the Editor, Vik Munyal at (613) 991-1290. COOPERATION IN AKESASNP Peace Prevails as Akwesasne -Deals with Summit of the Americas Protestors lesi4 bakeeoli _ -- - - - 0 n April 20-22, 2001, hemispheric Presidents and Prime Ministers met in Quebec City for the Summit of the Americas. While the country leaders began to descend on Quebec City, non-governmental organizations in Canada and elsewhere wished to use the event to protest against the globalization of free trade. Many American protesters planned on crossing into Canada at the Seaway International Bridge, which straddles the St. Lawrence River, with the City of Cornwall, Ontario at one end, and the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne on the other, thus placing th community of Akwesasne in the middle of a situation that could have led to possible turmoil and the disruption of the peace that they work so hard to preserve. with the date of the A joint effort: Members of all the Police Services involved Sununit of the Americas growing near, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police.Service worked to develop a conclu gency plan to maintain order while continuing normal services to their community. In order to ensure this outcome, they enlisted the assistance of the RCMP, First Nations police from Tyendinaga, Kahnawake, and Kanesatake, the OPP, Cornwall City Police and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. With the understanding that people have the democratic right to be heard and express their opinion in a peaceful and lawful manner, the coalition of police forces developed a plan of action to facilitate that right, while minimizing the disruption to the general public. The ultimate goal was to ensure that Akwesasne remained a safe community for the residents, protesters, and all police officers involved. Copyright of this document does not belong to the Crown. Proper authorization must be obtained from the author for any intended use. continued on page 3 141 Solicitor General Canada Solliciteur général Canada I I 1.1 -. 1 II oi 1 t 1.'i. " pas à l'état. Toute utilisation du contenu du pr. esent document doit être approuvée préalablement par l'auteur. CanadI3
llew% ^cwts the I aï 4W. Ncrt (Jil'ïcc, opc'sja.,,d 1haglntld ('oo0a On June 8th, 2001, Wagmatcook First Nation in Nova Scotia officially opened its new RCMP - First Nations Community Police Service (FNCPS) office. The community police office is located in the Wagmacook Culture and Chief Mary Louise Bernard and Heritage Centre on the Assistant Commissioner Dwight Bishop official ribbon cutting of shores of the the new Wagmatcook RCMP pristine Bras Community Office d'or Lakes. Beyond the RCMP office, the Culture and Heritage Centre is the home of a permanent exhibit of fine Mi'kmaq artifacts, as well as a commercial enterprise centre offering a wide range of services to the community including a Canada Post Office, the Toronto Dominion Bank, and other commercial businesses. ^7 14 27 The Annual General Meeting of the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA) was held in ' Our ^o*,,, Victoria from Aprd,. 25-28, 2001. This ^ highly successful AGM provided the I `* ' opportunity for networking and sharing.present ^- ' of experiences. It also featured presentations by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Mathew Coon Come and by experts in a variety of fields, including enforcement of Band by-laws and police governance. We look forward to the next meeting in Montreal! ^ënalû June 21 marked the celebration of National Aboriginal Day across Canada. This is a time for all Canadians to honour and learn more about the uniqueness and beauty of J...& ;P.)4âtloaal uatonale des Aborignal Autorhtoncs ^ Day the cultures of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada. The date was chosen because of the significance of the first day of summer and summer solstice for Aboriginal peoples. There were many activities planned to commemorate the day across the country. In the Ottawa region, activities included arts and crafts displays and sales, various traditional performances, a selection of Aboriginal cuisine and a traditional Pow Wow. Overall the celebration was a great success and a fitting tribute to the culture and heritage of Aboriginal Peoples. Coordinator l'or Strate,;jic Ward LaForme Jr. has accepted a posting at the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) General Headquarters, First Nations Policing Programs, as its Coordinator of Strategic Issues. Ward will be assisting S/Sgt Glenn Trivett, Sgt Brian Therrien and S/Sgt Terry Bell, RCMP Aboriginal Policing Coordinator, in delivering program assistance to First Nations Police Services in Ontario. Ward will be lending his assistance in the delivery of cultural awareness training, youth training courses, strategic planning initiatives and corporate media communications for OPP HQ. For the past two years, Ward has been acting as the FNCPA's communications consultant on the seven-phase FNCPA/Human Ressource Development Canada (HRDC) Human Resource Study of First Nations Policing in Canada. Canadians now have a way to formally recognize their community's unsung heroes in policing, with a new and distinguished national honour. Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay was pleased with the announcement by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, to create an Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The new Order of Merit of the Police Forces will recognize the commitment of the people who devote their lives to public safety," said Mr. MacAulay.
r^- Now that the Summit of the Americas is a part of history, the community of Akwesasne and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service are to be commended themselves on achieving their goal of maintaining peace and harmony during a situation which could have led to some level of violence. Chief of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Lewis Mitchell stated he was "pleased with the results and the cooperation of both the American and Canadian police agencies." He also commended the community leaders of Akwesasne, and the community as a whole for their participation in maintaining order. Police Chief Mitchell felt it was "a combination of police services and the community that facilitated a positive ' and non-confrontational outcome." i,;ilj,. Approximately 1,000 protesters accessed the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne from both the United States and Canada. According to Inspector Jim Potts of the Ontario Provincial Police Service, "Many protesters did not expect the police to speak with them and appeared impressed that they were escorted across the bridge by ten Native police officers, who walked with them instead of patrolling them." Inspector Potts attributes the positive results to the fact that the police officers, along with the Chiefs of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, addressed each individual vehicle and expressed the concerns of the community, the hope for peace and explained the position of the police services. The officers wanted to peacefully engage the protesters before they had a chance to come into the community and possibly become hostile. Inspector Potts commented on his admiration for the teamwork of all police services involved and felt "this cooperation was instrumental to the peaceful results of the day." The collaboration of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, the supporting police services in both Canada and the United States, and the community of Akwesasne as a whole, is a shining example of how cooperation, experience, dedication, and the belief in peace, can be successful. These sentiments were also echoed by Inspector Lenn Busch of the RCMP; "It gave me a good deal of pride and satisfaction, to be a part of, and to see brother and sister police officers from many agencies standing shoulder to shoulder on traditional Aboriginal territory to preserve peace. It spoke to me of inclusiveness and self determination for not just Aboriginal police officers, but also for all those we are called upon to protect and serve." The accomplishment of the day has permitted the community to continue on with their daily existence, and continue with their philosophy of enhancing peace, harmony, justice, and the Mohawk culture. Yaywayseecappo Celebraies Official Opening of RCMP-FNCPS Detachiiient Cy ^okk AdyKa n Friday, May 4, 02001, the people of the Waywayseecappo First Nation in western Manitoba celebrated the Official Opening of their own RCMP - First Nations Community Policing Service (FNCPS) detachment.._w1.^.^ The ribbon cutting at the Official Opening of the Waywayseecappo RCMP-FNCPS detachrnent The official opening, which drew a crowd of community members, guests and visitors, was held in conjunction with the First Nations Treaty Day. The new detachment commander, Sgt Sonny Richards, acted as master of ceremonies for the event. The ceremony started with an opening prayer and traditional singing. Remarks were made to the assembly by the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of justice, Mr. Len Derkach, Manitoba Legislative Assembly for the area, Assistant Commissioner T.W. Egglestone, Commanding Officer of RCMP "D" Division, Jack Gashyna, former Director of Aboriginal Policing for Manitoba justice, and John Malyna, Aboriginal Policing Directorate (APD) Regional Manager for Manitoba. Representatives from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Rossburn and District Chamber of Commerce also made comments. Then the speakers made presenta- tions to Councillor Tim Cloud who represented the Chief and Council on the special occasion. Councillor Cloud spoke of the determination of the people to have their own detachment with Aboriginal members to serve the community and the vision of the previous Chief and Council. After a closing prayer for the event, the detach- ment was opened for tours. Negotiations for the detachment began in March 1999 and culminated with the signing of a Community Tripartite Agreement in June 2000. Five RCMP members, and a clerk employed by the First Nation, work from a modern detachment building constructed and owned by the First Nation. The residents of Waywayseecappo are receiving an experienced police service with each of the members having more than 12 years service with the RCMP. Community growth over the past several years has resulted in major development, including a hotel, arena, grocery store, gas bar, restaurant and post office being located in the immediate area of the detachment. In addition, a provincial highway passes through the community. Having the RCMP nearby will help to keep motorists and pedestrians safe in the community. Waywayseecappo has the third RCMP Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA) in Manitoba. The communities of Swan Lake and Chemawawin are also served by the RCMP - FNCPS. ^1
r"..n...c n P' ic -..c c orl.2 n Mrin na n An n -men c e eln up ABORIGINAL SHIELD PROGRAM Drug Awareness Program Cuts Across Boundaries lestobe kielse44)% Cultural T he Aboriginal Shield Program, a consultative teaching and drug awareness program, was developed for use in aboriginal and remote communities. Sgt Lescadre of "C" Division Drug Awareness Service, Quebec, says it delivers solid results. Sgt Lescadre has worked with Aboriginal Shield since its development seven years ago by the Nechi Institute in Alberta, as a drug awareness program aimed at young people in aboriginal communities across the country. When his culturally diverse training team visits an isolated community, it leaves behind a legacy of cooperation and trust that can achieve real change in peoples' lives. His colleagues from the "C" Division Drug Awareness Service, Sgt Jean Lemieux, and Cpls Jocelyn Chagnon and Jacques Bordeleau, work with the team, along with Alan Moar, Aboriginal Director of Social Chiefs from various communities meeting at Services for Cree the Mashteuiatsh Aboriginal Games. First communities, and partner in the program, Mashteuiatsh Chief Louise Logue, Civilian Clifford Moar (second from right). Co-ordinator of the Ottawa-Carleton Reffional Police (OCRP) Youth Services and a Métis. Sgt Lescadre stresses the need for co-operation and diversity on the team, saying, "We now work with 56 communities in Quebec, from eleven First Nations. In order to reduce drugs, aggression and all their associated problems, we have to work together to achieve goals, mobilize change and make a difference." Using educational models developed for The RCMP - Aboriginal Shield, Sgt Lescadre says, "The first thing we do is visit communities. We sit with people from the band council, school, social services, police services, just to explain what we offer, with no pretensions. When we leave, we want to see that group working together." - :.e An0 As Louise Logue points out, the work generates mutual benefits. This is relevant to Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police business. The program is transferable and it can be transported to any group or community. We suggest that people implement models that work for them. In aboriginal communities, often we use animals to tell stories, but other symbols may be better in different cultural contexts. The bottom line is the message." "In drug awareness and community work," says Sgt Lescadre, "motivated people mean more than va Community of Mistissini. Sgt Pierre Lescadre (front row, 4th from left); Alan Moat', Aboriginal Director of Social Services for Cree communities: Cpl. Jacques Bordeleau (RCMP) tools or facilities. When you enter a native community, you notice two things. First, there is a lack of organized cultural, social or sport activities. Second, people aren't worlçing together. We need to put our expertise together. Nurses, doctors, police officers, social workers and band councils need to talk to each other about real issues." Louise Logue describes the process as an exercise in trust. She says, "We build a team that can facilitate and get involved in a community, training nursing staff and doctors and meeting youth on the street. My part is to educate the conununity representatives on gangs, raids and trends, so they can identify problems and take action. This isn't theory; it's about helping people and communities." Aboriginal Shield provides tools for these people to approach kids and parents to talk about substances, gangs, and to help inspire their own pride and cultural traditions, their values in life. Sgt Lescadre says the process can't stay inside meeting rooms; it has to go out into the community. "We've used the program at picnics, fishing trips, around the campfire, in schools, in community activities, which give you good information and a chance to talk about real things." Sgt Lescadre admits that "Prevention is hard to evaluate, especially when you rely on generous people to give their time," but adds that results are worth waiting for. "At the beginning of the summer, a lady from a native community told me that substance abuse and criminality have reduced in her community because of Aboriginal Shield. That's my hidden pay, but it takes time." OPP HONOURED FOR CREATION OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM o hasn't wandered on a beach, picking stones at will, attracted by the colours, shapes, or to wonder how they got here and where they came from? That simple action of collecting and "reading" a stone is the basis of an Ontario Provincial Police program that has garnered an Amethyst Award for outstanding achievement by Senior Constable Monty Kohoko of the Cayuga detaclunent. The award. given annually, recognizes outstanding achievements by provincial public servants. "I'm quite honoured, very honoured," said Kohoko, an Algonquin from Pikwakanagan First Nation near Pembroke, Ont. "It's a nice thing to be able to say views have been changed, there's been growth, that you can actually make a bit of a difference." Kohoko is a member of a team which came up with the "Stonewalker" youth leadership program, now aimed at northern natives in their early teens but adaptable to any ethnic group or setting. Elders in a community selected for the program have the teens find a stone or rock. The distinctive qualities of that stone are then discussed as an illustration of each person's uniqueness and value. continued on page 5 e 1
continued from page 4 "With each stone, if you take the time to hear the story there is a lesson to teach you, a direction to give you." That lesson is augmented by five days of role-playing and interaction vvith OPP officers, designed to listen to and encourage the next generation of community leaders. "If we dont provide opportunities for them to be heard and recognize what they can contribute we lose a valuable resource." Youth from two northern First Nations communities have already gone through the program since it was put in place last fall and reaction has been very positive with improved relations between youth and police, says Kohoko. "It's a joint learning process." CHIEF CONSTABLE RON MERCHANT DESCRIBES THE `DITIDAHT POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SOCIETY' T he vision for the Ditidaht Police Srevice began in 1994 when Chief G.J. Thompson and I as the then Detachment Commander for the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment discussed the ways of improving service to the community of Nitinaht Lake. Many policing problems weren't being adequately addressed and many residents moved away to find security in other communities. At present, the village consists of approximately 250 people with an additional 350 members living in nearby communities. The Ditidaht Police Service Detachment The village of Nitinaht is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and north of the Provincial capital of Victoria. The village overlooks Nitinaht Lake, which is one of the largest tidal saltwater lakes in the world. From the community, a 15 mile boat trip takes you through a narrow "gap" into the Pacific Ocean. This gap accommodates the tidal flow into and out of the lake and the current can be both beautiful and dangerous. The gap is the mid way point of the world famous West Coast Trail section of Pacific Rim National Park, and community members have been ferrying hikers across for over 25 years. Approx. 6,000 visitors from all over the world hike this 72km trail each year. The area around Nitinaht is quite rugged and the main industries in the area are logging and fishing. A large sawmill owned by the Band is the largest employer. The service of the "Ditidaht Police and Public Safety Society" came into effect in late October of 1996 and is one of three Tribal police Services in British Columbia. I was asked by the Band to become the first Chief Cst. of the service. After 25 years with the RCMP, I decided to retire and take up the challenge of policing in a remote aboriginal community. Three members of the community govern the Police Board and the Board in turn is responsible to the Provincial Police Services branch. As the only member of the Service, and vvith li mited resources, a Protocol agreement was developed with the RCMP to provide mutual assistance in a number of areas. Files are generated through the Lake Cowichan Detachment, and I have access to their office and the Operational Communications Centre in Nanaimo, who act as a dispatch centre for me. Initially it was decided to phase in enforcement rather then pursue aggressive tactics that would have alienated the members of the community from the service. As an example, it was found quite a number of individuals neither possessed Drivers Licenses, nor carried insurance on their vehicles. Working with these individuals and Provincial authorities, we have been successful in securing the required documentation. This has not only provided them with a sense of self-esteem, but also given them Chief Cst. Ron Merchant, next to the Ditidaht Police Service patrol boat access to employment. Recognizing the youth as the future, we have dedicated much energy in this area in order to provide them with the tools necessary to make sound decisions. We have held youth conferences, raised funds for youth events and worked with them on an individual basis seeing that any needs such as drug and alcohol counseling are available to them. Duties in the area are much like any other jurisdiction where we have our share of violations of Provincial and Federal statutes. Key to our success to date has been working in close co-operation with Crown Counsel, Probation, Social Services and other agencies that, in the past, tended to ignore the area. They have been very co-operative especially, recognizing the distances community members must travel and becoming aware of and respecting the culture and community values. The concept of a "Stand Alone" Police service, especially in an aboriginal community, is in my opinion a very valid option where true community policing can take effect, and where the police officer is an integral part of the problem solving process. The community benefits by being safer and securer, and community members have input into the decision-making process and better access to services.
r z - I I 11;'Î r rd an :71 tr../ SIGNING OF MKO FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT 0 n June 6th, 2001, a Tripartite Agreement with Canada and Manitoba was signed for the provision of protective services regarding policing to the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) First Nations. The MKO represents 50,000 Treaty First Nations people who are members of the twenty-seven northern-most Manitoba First Nations. Grand Chief Francis Flett of MKO, Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh and Peter Fisher, Director General of the Aboriginal Policing Directorate formally signed the agreement at a ceremony in Winnipeg. RCMP Assistant Corrunissioner Tom Egglestone also signed the agreement on behalf of the force, which has a significant role in the delivery of policing services to the MKO communities. At the ceremony, Peter Fisher remarked, "As we all know, close cooperation among the federal, provincial and First Nation goverrunents is the key to success in Aboriginal policing. This signing ceremony is evidence that this cooperation and shared vision is very much alive today. Today, we are here to celebrate the progress that is made when we work together. I look forward to working with MKO and Manitoba in the future as we work toward implementing the MKO Framework Agreement." Chief Flett noted, "I am very grateful that we have reached this very significant turning point in our relationship with law enforcement agencies and the Crown. I see this as a new begin- ning, an opportunity to honour our Treaty relationship, an opportunity to put in place a real system of justice for First Nations. A system where our concept of justice rules and the needs of our people and conununities are served." With this agreement, MKO will establish the MKO Regional Consultative Committee, made up of representatives of the Northern Tribal Councils and Independent First Nations. They will assist the communities as they negotiate their own Tripartite Agreements on Policing and will work cooperatively with Canada, Manitoba and the RCMP in this process. MANITOBA KEEWATINOWI OKIMAKANAK The agreement identifies the various options of protective services for the communities to consider in their individual negotiating positions. It also enshrines the intent of MKO to develop a strategjc plan that will define and determine what an MKO Regional Police Service may look like, how it may be developed, implemented, managed and administered by First Nations for First Nations. The beneftts to such an option are obvious said Grand Chief Flett, "Right now, our needs are quite distinct from the mainstream. Our path is one of restoration and healing. Our justice systems have a large part to play in this. We need policing that reflects our laws basically respect and understanding. The adversarial, blaming, punishing system we have endured has not served us. I see this framework agreement as a major step towards gaining the support we need to practice the restorative justice approaches that are so deeply traditional, effective and necessary in our communities. I welcome and congratulate Canada and Manitoba for joining us in this very necessary and very just undertaking. We are doing the right thing!" R.eeiemal ()Ilk es If you would like to know more about the First Nations Policing Policy, please contact the Aboriginal Policing Directorate's Regional Office in your region: and itikon: Don Armitage (604) 666-5308 Diana Jardine ilberta, It T.. and Innarut: Ourbec,. John Young (403) 292-8858 Marc Voinson Maryse Picard Arnold Kackstar (306) 975-5125 Wayne Moss (306) 446-1662 Robert Gow John Malyna (204) 984-1575 (613) 991-9348 (450) 967-3334 (450) 967-3434 (613) 993-4233 (Ottawa) List of First Nations Police Itebsites FirSt Nations Chief of Police Assosiation www.fncpa.ca Anishinabek Police Service www.apscops.org Blood Tribe Police Service www.bloodtribepolice.com Stratrimx Police Service www.stp.bc.ca Lesser Slave Lake Police Service www.lerc.ab.ca/aiic50/police.htm Kahnawake Mohawk PeaceKeepers www.kahnawake.com/peacekeepers/index.html Dakota Olibway Police Service www.dops.orgigoals.htm Solicitor General of Canada www.sgc.gc.ca. 11.\ /deb.\," 11