The Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) have signed an agreement to explore new, community-oriented ways to deliver police services and improve safety in First Nations communities.

“Advancing Indigenous-led approaches to public safety is a cornerstone of reconciliation. Today’s announcement of the creation of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Public Safety Implementation Team will do just that, allowing its 28 communities to make a plan tailored to their specific needs. I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in communities across Northern Saskatchewan.”

– The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring safe communities across the province and is pleased to partner with the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) on this important initiative. The establishment of the PAGC Public Safety Implementation Team is part of a larger implementation strategy to address policing for First Nation communities in our province.”

– The Honourable Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety

“This letter of intent to pursue community-oriented public safety and policing formalizes a shared commitment to ensure effective and culturally appropriate police services for our 12 member Nations. The consultation process marks the first step in achieving this goal. This work is guided by the recommendations from PAGC’s National Symposium on First Nations Policing and Justice that identified the need to decolonize policing, courts, and corrections in order to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as well as the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

– Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, Prince Albert Grand Council

• Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) represents 12 First Nations comprised of 28 communities in northern Saskatchewan, which are organized into four sectors: Athabasca Denesuline, Plains / Dakota Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree.

• The First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) is a contribution program created in 1991 that provides funding to support professional, dedicated and responsive policing services.

• Under the FNIPP, eligible costs are shared with provinces and territories in accordance with a 52% federal and 48% provincial/territorial cost-share ratio.

• Community safety plans developed under the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative identify community strengths, assets and safety and wellness goals in order for all community members to see themselves involved on a path leading toward a healthier, safer home and community life.

• Federal Budget 2021 provided $861 million over five years, beginning in 2021–2022, and $145 million ongoing, to support culturally responsive policing and community safety services in Indigenous communities.

Associated links

• First Nations and Inuit Policing Program
• Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative
• Video: Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative

Audrey Champoux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
audrey.champioux@ps-sp.gc.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
psmediarelations@ps-sp.gc.ca

Noel Busse
Corrections, Policing and Public Safety
Regina
306-787-8959
cpjumedia@gov.sk.ca

Tina Pelletier
Executive Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
306-941-7120
tina.pelletier@fsin.com