Alexis test new policing model
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| (From left) Alexis First Nation Chief Roderick Alexis, Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth, Jim Greyeyes of the Solicitor General of Canada and RCMP K Division Assistant Commissioner Bill Sweeney hold the historic agreement. |
A tri-partite agreement between the Alexis First Nation and the federal and provincial governments signed in April, paves the way for a unique First Nations policing model.
The Alexis First Nation, a community of about 700 located near Mayerthorpe, is the first Aboriginal community in Alberta to enter into this type of agreement. Under the agreement, two Aboriginal members of the RCMP First Nations Community Policing Service will provide dedicated service to the reserve, with a minimum of 80 per cent of their time spent directly in the community.
“It’s an agreement that focuses on the needs of the community by bringing RCMP officers who are culturally aware or are of First Nations descent to provide an active presence in the community,” said Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth.
The two RCMP members assigned to the Alexis First Nation will work out of an office in the community. Residents will be encouraged to establish a community advisory committee to ensure open communications and that local policing issues are addressed.
The federal government will pay 52 per cent of the cost of policing and Alberta will pay 48 per cent. The policy was enacted by the federal government in 1992 and provides First Nations across Canada with access to policing services that are professional, effective, culturally sensitive and accountable to the communities they serve.
