The Siksika Nation and Government of Alberta have announced updates in planning efforts to develop a self-administered police service on the First Nation, April 24, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Siksika Nation receives funds to continue developing its own police service

Apr 24, 2023 | 3:11 PM

SIKSIKA NATION, AB – A First Nation in southern Alberta is continuing planning work to create its own self-administered police service.

At a signing ceremony in Calgary on Monday, April 24, 2023, the Government of Alberta and Siksika Nation signed a letter of intent to formalize a partnership with the Government of Canada to transition away from RCMP services and towards the implementation of its own police force.

The province provided $75,000 in funding to help the Indigenous community finalize its business case.

Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot said one of his top priorities is to help improve the quality of life for his people.

“Safety and security are basic human needs to improve life expectancy, quality and quantity of life. It is paramount for our people to feel safe in their own community,” said Crowfoot. “Siksika Nation’s re-establishment of our own Siksika-administered police service will go a long way towards improving our people’s quality of life.”

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Alberta Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Mike Ellis adds that support for self-policing is a strong step towards meaningful reconciliation.

“Alberta’s government will continue to partner with communities that want to develop their own policing model. We’re pleased to support Siksika Nation as they research the financial and logistical challenges that would accompany a complex transition process,” said Ellis.

Ellis continues, “This agreement will ensure the handover from the RCMP to the new police service takes place without any interruptions in vital services to local residents.”

The Siksika Nation reached a deal with the provincial and federal governments in 2022 to take over policing responsibilities from the RCMP.

READ MORE: Siksika Nation to establish its own police service

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