SASKATOON — Leaders of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council’s nine-member nations made a passionate plea to the provincial and federal governments for immediate help in outlining policing solutions that would protect their respective communities in northern Saskatchewan from gangs, the entry of illegal drugs and violent crime.
MLTC Chief Jeremy Norman told SaskToday that they have been waiting for the promised policing reforms for 10 years. Still, their communities have been dealing with safety and policing issues, which is why they are following the same process the Prince Albert Grand Council used in its goal of someday establishing a PAGC Regional Police Service.
“We are currently in that study. The PA Grand Council has been at it. We have [safety] issues now, and we can’t wait 10 years. We need to do something. Some communities have to wait an hour. If the RCMP received the call, they jumped into their vehicle, but it still took an hour and 15 minutes. That is too long for a crime to be committed, and the person is gone,” said Norman on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
“We need policing presence in the community today, not in 10 years. The lack of police presence is causing serious injury and death in our communities. We have a critical opportunity to establish community-led policing. Currently, systemic failures in the colonial model prevent us from achieving the safety levels other communities enjoy.”
He added that some of their member nations have decided to hire security due to the absence of consistent policing in their communities, and keeping peace and order remains limited. However, residents can still bring anyone into their First Nation communities, so there is no way to determine whether they are involved in illegal activities, which is why they need proper policing measures.
“It [private security personnel] definitely deters a bit. But, the bottom line, they're getting in, and crime is being committed, and we need a safer community, and we need policing, we need it in the community. Today, there is a hope that it’s going to expedite the issue that the province and the feds can come together and help us find a solution,” said Norman.
Norman raised concerns about the safety of their chiefs and council members, who are often forced to intervene in dangerous situations because that is their only option for now, as law enforcement assistance arrives too late, adding that these situations put them at risk of violence, especially if it involves gang members and drug traffickers.
“I live close to the city in Meadow Lake. The mayor isn't expected to go and kick anyone out. The mayor isn't likely to show up at a house or a crime scene. A lot of times, leaders are called upon because they know that's the only option in a First Nations community. The leader is expected to fix the issue. They're not trained as police, but they're supposed to lead the community, and do other things.”
Norman is now calling for a new policing system similar to Saskatchewan’s marshal program, whose officers are recognized by the court system, fully trained, armed and mandated by the government to serve the province. Something that their First Nations communities needed — a presence of law enforcement for their peace of mind, Norman said.
“We've been saying that the different levels of government — federal, provincial, the RCMP — need to come together and work out a solution. The federal government sends their money and the province handles their part, and that’s it; ‘We’re done with you guys.’ We're hopeful that changes and everybody come together to prioritize safety now, not the years down the road.”
