Assembly of First Nations and Alberta Premier make joint statement on Indigenous policing
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Premier Danielle Smith have released a joint statement urging the federal government to move forward in implementing amendments to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.
“We call on all levels of government to commit to equitable funding and legislative support, ensuring First Nations have 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,” they shared in a statement on October 21.”
They said that in order to achieve police services that reflect the community values, cultures, and needs of the First Nations people, it is essential that First Nations have clear jurisdiction and authority over their own policing frameworks, with equitable funding from both provincial and federal governments.”
Provincial officials said that this year, Alberta has allocated over $22.5 million to support policing in First Nation communities, including $12.2 million for three self-administered First Nation police services. Additionally, the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant has been provided to several Indigenous communities to explore policing options that best meet their needs, including the establishment of their self-administered police services. They added that Alberta is currently working with Siksika First Nation and Enoch First Nation to develop their own First Nations police services.
