Unique police program developed for Aboriginal youth

A unique federal-provincial government partnership has resulted in the creation of the Indigenous Police Preparation Program which will prepare Aboriginal youth to enter training to become police officers.
Chuck Stralh, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and federal interlocutor for Métis and non-status Indians launched the program on May 23 in Winnipeg, along with Vic Toews, president of the treasury board and federal regional minister for Manitoba. The program will see a partnership between the government, the Louis Riel Institute, the University of Winnipeg, and various law enforcement agencies.
Erin Stewart is dean of continuing education at the University of Winnipeg and said that the university was approached by members of the RCMP who asked if a program to enhance Aboriginal recruitment could be developed.
"At that time they also approached the Louis Riel Institute and we agreed it would be beneficial to work together on it," she said. "We were very honoured and pleased to participate."
Dierdre Shore is community program director at the university and said that several prospective students have already expressed interest in attending the program, which will begin in September and continue with full-time studies for eight months. "And the RCMP has a list of potential candidates as well. Students will be prepared for policing with the RCMP, the Winnipeg Police Service, local tribal and policing in rural communities as well as careers within Manitoba Justice and the corrections system," she said.
Typical courses include Aboriginal history and culture, family violence, ethics in policy, first aid and criminal law.
"The RCMP requirements for fitness are quite rigorous and we expect students will also be spending a fair amount of time in the gym," added Stewart. "They go through regular supervised tests to document their progress in health and fitness."
It is expected that some of the students will remain at the university and continue with post-secondary studies, graduating with degrees in criminal justice and law. Aboriginal students enjoy studying at the university, and are well represented in all programs, some designed specifically for the Aboriginal community, such as a teacher education offering.
"We especially hope to recruit students for the Indigenous Police Program from the northern areas of the province, because that's where the need is and people from the north would be the natural ones who would go back home to work," said Stewart. "Through our program, they are gaining confidence and preparation for further studies in a promising career and we are excited for them."
Grant Anderson is general manager of the Louis Riel Institute, the educational branch of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).
"It's important to have a balance of Aboriginal policing in law enforcement. And other provinces, including Saskatchewan and Alberta, have similar programs which have proven to be very successful, so we were pleased to become a part of the project," he said. "It's a made-in-Manitoba solution to the under-representation in our province." An advisory committee consisting of members from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the MMF, the RCMP, the University of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice ensured the curriculum was relevant and applicable.
The Louis Riel Institute is an affiliate of the MMF but has its own board of directors and own mandate.
"We're closely connected and work towards many of the same goals, but we are separate organizations," he said.
For the Indigenous Police Program, the LRI will assist with recruiting, and then supply supports to ensure the students are encouraged and assisted in completing the program.
"We're bringing in Elders for the candidates to talk to, but we also help with other possible issues, such as housing and day care."
The goal is to prepare students of Métis, First Nation, and Inuit descent for meeting the admission requirements of police forces across Manitoba, but it promises to provide much more, he added.
Anderson said policing was a great career choice for the students.
"Both male and female recruits can look forward to a rewarding and satisfying career in law enforcement. There's no question about that. And we're pleased to have had a hand in providing a bright future for our youth."