EPS now recruiting for new Nîsohkamâkewin Council

The Edmonton Police Service is forming a new Indigenous advisory council and is seeking community members to work together on systemic changes to policing.

 

‘Nîsohkamâkewin’ is Cree for ‘the act of helping,’ and the new Nîsohkamâkewin Council will help EPS address the inequities and barriers Indigenous peoples face, and develop and implement the best policing practices to address those challenges.   

 

The council will be advising on the implementation of policing recommendations from several national reports such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

 

EPS has committed to implementing these recommendations, which will impact numerous areas of the police service including Missing Persons, Historical Homicide, Human Trafficking and Exploitation, Crime and Trauma Informed Support Services, and the Training Section.

 

“These recommendations are taken from a national context, and the council will help apply a localized understanding of how these recommendations will aid Indigenous-police relations within Edmonton,” says Andrea Levey, EPS Indigenous Equity Advisor.  “Together, we will build a plan forward to address the gaps and make systemic change, and the Indigenous community members and partners will determine the success and legitimacy of the work being done for these recommendations.” 

 

The new Nîsohkamâkewin Council will replace the previous EPS Indigenous Liaison Committee, and be guided by Indigenous community members with a diverse range of voices, perspectives and experiences.  

 

“It is imperative to have Indigenous voices in the process of making decisions regarding Indigenous people in any capacity,” says Christie Pace, Program Manager with Bent Arrow.  “The council will keep the Edmonton Police accountable to the recommendations that make the most sense for our people, and it will also help us build and maintain relationships that are crucial to policing Indigenous people and the community as a whole.”

 

Indigenous-identifying individuals who have experience with Indigenous culture, human rights and anti-racism work are encouraged to apply for the Nîsohkamâkewin Council.  

 

Applicants can direct letters of interest to Andrea Levey, EPS Indigenous Equity Advisor, at Nisohkamakewin@edmontonpolice.ca.  All applications will be reviewed by an Indigenous panel.  The deadline for applications is Jan. 31, 2021.

 

Additional information on the Nîsohkamâkewin Council is available at www.edmontonpolice.ca.

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