QUEENS PARK – NEWS = In a groundbreaking announcement held at Queens Park, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leaders, Ontario government officials, and Elders gathered to celebrate a historic milestone: the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) has officially become the first legislated Indigenous police service in Ontario.
“This has been years in the making,” said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Our leaders envisioned a police service run by our communities and for our communities. Today, we honor the tireless work of everyone who made this moment possible. Miigwetch to all involved for their dedication.”
“By joining the provincial framework for policing, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is taking an important step forward in enhancing the safety and security of 34 of the most remote and Northern First Nations communities in Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Our government is committed to empowering NAPS with the necessary resources and training to strengthen their capacity, ensuring that First Nations communities continue to receive culturally relevant and effective policing services, now and into the future.”
“This is a historic day for policing in the province of Ontario,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “We’re proud to mark this momentous occasion alongside First Nations partners to help modernize and strengthen the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service to keep communities safe and protected.”
Recognized Under the Community Safety and Policing Act
NAPS’ status was formalized as part of its “opt-in” to Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), 2019, following years of collaboration and advocacy. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner approved the constitution of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Board (NAPSB) under the Act, ensuring that NAPS operates with the same standards, funding, and recognition as municipal police services across Ontario.
“This is the first agreement of its kind in Ontario,” said NAPS Board Chair Frank McKay. “Our officers deserve the resources and support to provide culturally appropriate, effective policing to the communities we serve.”
“I want to acknowledge our community leaders, including Grand Chiefs past and present, for helping get us here today. I also think it is important to pause, and reflect, about people like Lena Anderson, Ricardo Wesley, Jamie Goodwin, and others who suffered the consequences of our many decades at NAPS without proper resources. The new legislation creates an opportunity to ensure those tragedies never happen again. It is also a promise to future generations across NAN, that they will live with the same safety guarantees as all Canadians. Our First Nations deserve no less,” added McKay.
NAPS Chief of Police Terry Anderson stated, “When I started working with First Nations communities in August 1984, I was heartened by the warm welcome I received, but disappointed by the lack of resources for their safety. Four decades later, and after a policing career which brought me to NAPS in 2013, I have seen a lot of change and have been impressed by what our officers have accomplished despite those resource challenges. Still, there remains much room for improvement.
“Thanks to the support of community leaders, the Ontario government, and our incredible officers and civilian staff, I am more optimistic than I have ever been. This new legislation represents a guarantee of safety backed by the rule of law, with more officers, better infrastructure, and better conditions all around. While we can’t turn back the past, we certainly can shape the future.”
Rising to Municipal Standards While Remaining Culturally Grounded
The legislated status guarantees NAPS will receive the funding and support necessary to meet provincial policing standards while respecting the unique cultural traditions and values of the 34 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities it serves.
Previously, NAPS operated under restrictive funding agreements that limited its ability to provide consistent, high-quality policing. Under the new framework, NAPS officers will now receive the same recognition and resources as any other police force in the province.
A Call for Federal Action
Despite this progress, NAN is urging the federal government to fulfill its Treaty obligations as a tripartite partner. “While Ontario has stepped up, Canada has been absent,” said Grand Chief Fiddler. “It’s time for the federal government to demonstrate its commitment to the safety of First Nations communities.”
Leaders Call for Expanded Action
NDP Critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) praised the agreement but called attention to broader issues. “Many First Nations outside of NAN still face inequitable policing standards,” said Mamakwa. “We need a path forward for all First Nations in Ontario to access the safety and services they deserve.”
Mamakwa also acknowledged the continued work ahead: “This agreement is for the safety and well-being of the people in Nishnawbe Aski Nation. But there’s more to be done.”
Background on NAPS
Established in 1993, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is Canada’s largest Indigenous police force, employing 230 officers and 40 civilians. NAPS serves 34 communities within Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s territory, spanning a vast area across Northern Ontario.
This historic agreement marks a significant step toward equitable, culturally grounded policing, offering a model for future initiatives across Canada.
