Treaty One Territory. Yesterday, the Executive Council of Chiefs (ECC) passed a motion to respond to reported claims against the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP.
Chief Francine Meeches, Chair of the First Nations Women Committee stated: “We need to step up and do something. We have heard too many times on reserve and in urban centres that the police treat First Nations differently. As leaders in our communities, and with many members who live in the city, we need to help protect them and ensure that the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP are accountable.”
The AMC has received numerous emails and phone calls from women who reported violence including domestic violence situations. The AMC First Nations Women Committee Liaison and the First Nations Advocate Office assists in addressing these kinds of treatments against Indigenous women by reaching out for help.
“Previously AMC and the RCMP had a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a process to enhance relations and to facilitate an improved police service delivery to all First Nation citizens in Manitoba. I believe it is time that we renew the MOU between the RCMP but also include the WPS. We need to provide an outlet for people to bring their concerns of mistreatment forward to build confidence and accountability of police services,” stated AMC Grand Chief Derek Nepinak.
Some of the recommendations of the AMC ECC include: for Grand Chief is to meet with representatives from WPS, RCMP, Bear Clan Patrol, FNWC and the Winnipeg Police Board; to revisit the Memorandum of Understanding between the AMC, WPS and RCMP; to create a reporting mechanism to bring concerns and issues forward to all Manitoba policing authorities and to find ways to handle independent investigations; as well as to prepare information pamphlets and workshop on “Know Your Rights.”