A four-year agreement between the North Bay Police Service and Canadore College announced at yesterday’s police board meeting.
The North Bay Police Board acknowledged the strategic alliance detailed by Canadore representatives to enhance and support Anishinabek members and communities. The mutually-beneficial agreement is centred on providing positive opportunities for Anishinabek individuals, families and neighbouring communities.
As a part of the principles-based agreement, Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre will be a resource to the police service with respect to Indigenous cultures in Canada and will consult on how local law enforcement can increase their effectiveness and understanding when responding to the needs of Indigenous persons.
“We truly believe that the North Bay Police Service has a constructive role to play in truth and reconciliation,” said Shawn Devine, Chief of the NBPS. “We are committed to working with Canadore College to provide our membership with much-needed education about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, which will, in turn, allow us to evolve our efforts in a positive way.”
The college will certify a number of NBPS officers to be Walk A Mile cultural awareness trainers, and will then co-facilitate education sessions to be rolled out to the service’s employee groups. Canadore will also facilitate offering additional certifications such as the Mental Health Aid for First Nations training for staff and first responders.
In return, the NBPS will work with the college to provide interprofessional simulation expertise, perspective and knowledge to reinforce students’ learning within the School of Community Justice and Police Studies.
Both parties are also committed to developing the province’s first full-time postsecondary Indigenous restorative justice program. By definition, restorative justice focuses less on punishment and more on the rehabilitation of an offender, which also includes reconciliation with the victims. Research suggests that upon repairing harm and providing healing, offenders take on meaningful accountability that prevents further crime.
“Canadore is very proud to be forging this alliance with our local police service,” said Shawn Chorney, vice-president of enrolment management, Indigenous and student services. “The college has been delivering culturally respectful and holistic Indigenous education for well over 30 years and this partnership will strengthen our communities for years to come.”
