Ottawa asked to amend policing program

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 23, 2024.

The Assembly of First Nations and Premier Danielle Smith are calling on the federal government to implement amendments to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.

This program would commit sustainable funding for Indigenous-led law enforcement.

In a joint news release from AFN and the premier, they said both parties have advocated for police services which reflect community values, cultures and needs, but to achieve this, First Nations need to have jurisdiction and authority over their police frameworks.

“It is essential First Nations have clear jurisdiction and authority over their own policing frameworks, underpinned by equity funding from both federal and provincial governments. Such funding must be sustainable and sufficient, ensuing First Nations-led police services have the resources they need to deliver a high standard of community policing,” the release said.

The Alberta government has allocated over $22.5 million this year to help empower local communities to explore and deliver Indigenous-led policing.

About half of the funding allocated was given to three Indigenous self-administered police services.

There is also an Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant which has been provided to several Indigenous communities to explore policing options which will best meet each of their unique needs.

Alberta is currently working with Siksika First Nation and Enoch First Nation to create their own Indigenous police services.

The demand for Indigenous-led policing as well as reforms to address specific needs in governance, recruitment and culturally informed training has been emphasized in the Auditor General of Canada’s reports, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report and its Calls for Justice and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to Action.

The recent deaths of Indigenous individual during police interactions have highlighted the need to address capacity gaps in policing and justice systems.

The news release calls on all levels of government to ensure commit to equitable funding and legislative support to ensure First Nations have both the jurisdiction and autonomy to oversee their own police services.

“Together, we are committed to working with leaders across Canada to establish Indigenous-led police services that promote equity, justice and improved community safety.”