Truth and Reconciliation Committee
RPS Advisor Jim Pratt Teaching Members
Angus Reid Survey Report [Policing in Canada] 2020
The Regina Police Service Truth and Reconciliation Committee was established in May of 2018. The committee is made of nine members, both sworn and civilian, who expressed interest, but also has a member from certain units which are mandatory. These units include: the Cultural and Community Diversity Unit, Community Engagement Unit, Indigenous Recruitment Liaison Officer, Public Information, and an Executive Committee member.
Mandate: “The Truth and Reconciliation Committee will put forth ideas and initiatives to further the Regina Police commitment to the Calls to Action. The committee will also communicate our initiatives in support of the TRC both internally and externally. The committee strives to educate Regina Police Service employees and our partners on the Calls to Action and pursue action and integration of best practices into our everyday work.”
The committee has facilitated educational workshops and lunch and learns for members. In January, 2019, female employees were given the opportunity to learn the teachings of the ribbon skirt and to sew their own for ceremonies. A number of female members took part and were able to wear their skirts at the 2019 RPS Round Dance in February.
The first RPS Lunch and Learn was hosted in April. Members learned the stories of the RPS tipi, eagle staff, and Elders Advisory Council from advisor and retired RPS Cpl. Jim Pratt. These stories have become educational knowledge for our members and the public.
A current scan of Truth and Reconciliation work is being done by all areas of the Service. The Service will collect a list of training, initiatives, education and projects that have been or are currently being done in support of the Calls to Action.
Examples of RPS Commitment to the Calls to Action:
Call to Action #57
Professional Development and Training for Public Servants
- Mandatory training for ALL members every two years;
- Teachings from our Elders; and
- Participating in events.
Call to Action #40
Accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs
- Regina Police Service Victims Services Unit has two full-time Indigenous Victim Services workers and one full-time Missing Persons Coordinator.
Call to Action #13
Indigenous Languages
- The TRC Committee hosted Cree language lessons for 25 members of our Service and their families including members of our Board of Police Commissioners. The 8 week lessons hosted by a member of our community taught students the basics of the Cree language. The TRC committee is planning on hosting further languages in 2021 and 2022.
Call to Action #38
Eliminating the over-representation of Aboriginal youth in custody
- Regina Police Service Community Cadet Corps.;
- Regina Kidsport Committee; and
- Participate in Indigenous youth events
- Treaty 4 Graduation Pow Wow.
Call to Action #3
Implement Jordan’s Principle
- The Regina Intersectoral Project (TRiP) has hired a half time Jordan’s Principle worker to assist TRiP families. This position is jointly funded by RTSIS (Regina Treaty Status Indian Services)
Call to Action #57
Educating Canadians on the History of Residential Schools and history of indigenous peoples in Canada
- Police Officers competing for promotion to a leadership position are required to know material on the history of Indigenous persons in Canada. In 2018 this material included the book, “The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir”, In 2019, it included an excerpt from the “Calls to Action”, In 2020, the information included the Justice related Calls to Action as well as an excerpt from the MMIWG final report.
- In 2021, this information includes the book, “21 Things you did not know about the Indian Act” by Bob Joseph. In addition to including this book into the promotional process, a copy of the book has been purchased for every employee of the Regina Police Service. The author joined us virtually for several sessions to discuss the book.
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