Ipperwash motivates OPP to improve relations with First Nations

Ontario Provincial Police are working to build a more respectful relationship with First Nations.

February 23, 2006: Volume 33 #4

During a two-day presentation at the Ipperwash Inquiry last month, OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface and others presented a forum called Aboriginal Initiatives – Building Respectful Relationships.

Among the initiatives the OPP have undertaken since protester Dudley George was shot and killed by an OPP officer in 1995 is the Commissioners’ Selected Liaison Council on Aboriginal Affairs.

“This council brings together respected First Nations people to advise on sensitive Aboriginal issues,” OPP Superintendent William Crate said in a release. “The council has been instrumental in many of the OPP initiatives now in place.”

The close relationship OPP has with Nishnawbe Aski Police Service has also helped, Crate said.

“The OPP strongly endorses self-directed First Nations police services in Ontario,” he said. “This unique, integrated initiative brings OPP and NAPS officers together to work on significant policing issues within NAN.”

The Native Awareness Training OPP now offers its officers has been helpful, Crate said.

“Based on consultations with Elders, Aboriginal leaders and Aboriginal officers, the OPP offers extensive training on First Nations issues, ranging from orientation for new recruits to an intensive, one-week award-winning course already taken by over 2,000 officers.”

The OPP also developed an Aboriginal Relations Team, which is comprised of selected officers. They are trained in mediation and conflict resolution in support of an appropriate OPP emergency response.

The full OPP presentation is available online through the Ipperwash Inquiry website – ipperwashinquiry.com.