The “E” Division RCMP continues to strengthen relationships with the more than 200 Aboriginal communities in BC. Forty-two Community Tripartite Agreements have now been signed between Aboriginal communities and the Provincial and Federal Governments. The RCMP have also developed Letters of Expectation to accompany those agreements, in order to ensure that dedicated resources are meeting the communities’ policing needs.

Constable Program and Pulling Together

Highlights

Community Involvement: The RCMP has an active role in numerous community events. Highlights include events celebrating National Aboriginal Day, Jr. Police Camps, Dreamcatcher 2006, Bike Rodeos, various hockey tournaments and camps, community rallies and marches, Meth Forums, Christmas pageants and DARE graduations.

Aboriginal Youth Training Program (AYTP): AYTP offers Aboriginal youth the opportunity to work as sworn peace officers with the RCMP and the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA). Youth (ages 19–29) undergo three weeks of training at the RCMP Depot in Regina, followed by a 14-week posting at a detachment near their community. The number of cadets involved in the program in BC has tripled over the past year.

Law Enforcement Preparation Program (LEPP): “E” Division RCMP members are active instructors in LEPP, offered through the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to pass various entrance requirements for law enforcement. Both enrolment and graduation has increased in the past year.

The First Nation Community Constable Program: This program trains peace officers to work in partnership with RCMP members in their home communities. Candidates are recommended by a First Nations community and are trained at the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre (PRTC). Candidates return to their home communities and receive ongoing RCMP mentoring related to various crime prevention initiatives and programs. Community Constables are now active in Alkali Lake and Ditidaht.

Pulling Together: Hundreds took part in the 2006 sea and river journeys, which bring together the old traditions of transport through tribal canoe, with the strengthening of police and Aboriginal community relations. The sea journey travelled from Powell River, while the river journey travelled from Coquitlam to ultimately meet on July 1st for a well-deserved celebration at Vancouver’s Locarno Beach.

Commanding Officer’s Aboriginal Advisory Council (COAAC): Elders, Chiefs, Aboriginal leaders and community representatives continue to meet regularly with the RCMP to develop strategies and initiatives that address Aboriginal policing issues. In 2006, meetings were held in Prince Rupert and Kelowna.

photo"The RCMP works actively throughout our Aboriginal communities to develop, implement and support initiatives and programs that ultimately contribute to safer and healthier communities. It’s more than enforcement; it’s about working in and with our communities to find local solutions that stop the cycle of victimization."

Inspector Frank Gallagher
Officer in Charge, Aboriginal Policing