News Release
Training Indigenous Police
Innovative partnership
will strengthen police diversity; first diploma of its kind in Manitoba
If you are interested in becoming a student in the Indigenous Police Preparation Diploma program, please contact Nancy Stokes, Community Programs' Assistant, at n.stokes@uwinnipeg.ca or 982-1811 for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008
WINNIPEG,
MB – Funding from the Government of Canada is allowing The University of
Winnipeg, the RCMP and the Manitoba Métis Federation’s Louis Riel Institute to
launch a results-oriented police preparation training program specifically
designed to assist First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to qualify as police
candidates.
The Indigenous
Police Preparation Diploma, to be offered through UWinnipeg’s Division of
Continuing Education, is the first of its kind in Manitoba. A Memorandum of Understanding
cementing the partnership was signed today by David Chartrand, President,
Manitoba Métis Federation, Darrell Madill, Assistant Commissioner, RCMP and Dr.
Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg.
The Diploma
program requires eight months of full-time study, and begins in September 2008.
It will encompass academic preparation with courses such as Managing Conflict,
Aboriginal History and Culture, Policing in Canada, Criminal Law, Ethics in
Policy, Family Violence, First Aid and CPR, as well as physical fitness
training. RCMP trainers will conduct fitness tests on a regular basis at
UWinnipeg’s newly-renovated Duckworth Centre. The goal is to provide graduates
with a highly-transportable skill set that will allow them to be successful in
applying for positions with the RCMP as well as regional, municipal and tribal
police forces. Another unique aspect of the Diploma program is graduates who
choose to continue their studies may apply some of their credits towards a
UWinnipeg undergraduate degree.
The Government of Canada, through
the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, provided $65,000 to develop the
curriculum which forms the basis of the new Indigenous Police Preparation
Diploma.
"We are pleased to have been
able to assist in bringing the key players to the table on this important
initiative," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs
and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status
Indians. "Law enforcement agencies are going to have access to skilled,
well-trained Aboriginal students who will be able to support their own
communities."
The University of Winnipeg
is dedicated to leading the way in Canada to create a university
experience that is both relevant and respectful to all our Indigenous peoples Peoples population.
“Our commitment to
providing leadership in aAboriginal
education is so central, it is one of our six key goals for the coming decade,”
said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy.
“Professional policing that reflects and serves all members of our community is
an essential part of a respectful justice system, and the cornerstone of our
democracy and human rights. The partnership we are forging here today is an
ideal example of how the University and the broader community can work together
to strengthen our neighbourhoods, our province and our country.”
In 2007,
members of the RCMP “D” Division approached The University of Winnipeg and
identified the need for a program that would assist police in reflecting our
diverse communities, with a focus on preparing Métis, First Nation and Inuit
people for careers in the force. A third partner, the Louis Riel Institute, the
educational branch of the Manitoba Métis Federation, created a successful
proposal and obtained federal funding for course development.
"The partnership created today
will strengthen our Métis Youth and help build a safe and healthy future for
all Manitobans. The Manitoba Métis Federation continues to promote education
that will positively impact our Community, make valuable contributions to our
society and build on our relationships with the University of Winnipeg and the
RCMP to better serve our province," said David
Chartrand, President, Manitoba Métis
Federation.
“This program will assist the RCMP
to better prepare Aboriginal applicants for success in the law enforcement
application process” said Assistant Commissioner Darrell Madill, Commanding
Officer of RCMP “D” Division.
Under the agreement,
UWinnipeg will be responsible for development and delivery of academic content,
including selection of instructors and student evaluation. The RCMP and Louis
Riel Institute will be responsible for recruiting program participants with
visits to rural and Northern Manitoba communities as well as Winnipeg and other cities. The Louis Riel Institute
will also provide critical support such as access to Elders and the RCMP will
supply guest speakers.
An Advisory Committee consisting of members from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Justice, and The University of Winnipeg will ensure the curriculum continues to be relevant and applicable.
Click Here for Backgrounder on Indigenous Police Preparation Program (IPPD)
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FOR MORE
INFORMATION
Diane
Poulin, Communications Officer, The University
of Winnipeg
P:
204.988.7126 E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca