Saskatchewan Indian federation calls for aboriginal peacekeepers to work with RCMP

July 9, 2008
By The Canadian Press

SASKATOON - The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is renewing a call for government-funded peacekeepers to improve safety on reserves.

The federation also wants to participate in RCMP training to improve the force's cultural sensitivity towards First Nations people.

Chief Lawrence Joseph said Wednesday he recently met with federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day to discuss the ideas.

Joseph requested the meeting after an RCMP officer shot and killed a 21-year-old man on the White Bear reserve in June.

Last weekend, an officer shot and injured a 34-year-old aboriginal man in Southend, about 600 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. RCMP said the man was holding a weapon.

Joseph said the latest shooting highlights the need for peacekeeping roles.

He said peacekeepers would be effective, because they would get to know people in aboriginal communities before a crisis starts.

"The people who are going to be first-responders will not be responding with rifles or pistols out of their holsters," said Joseph.

"It's more of a let's-talk-first type of situation."