Kashechewan First Nation give notice withdrawing from Nishnawbe Aski Police Services
Kashechewan First Nation Chief and Council press release
June 25, 2008
Today, the Chief and Council of Kashechewan First Nation has served noticed to Nishnawbe Aski Police Service advising them that Kashechewan First Nation is pulling out of the current policing agreement. The Leadership has notified Nishnawbe Aski Police Service that it has given a 90 day grace period for the community to look at other options for policing.
As a Chief of my community, the decision that our Council made was based on the health and safety of the officers on the field and the public at large. Weighing the main issues, withdrawing from the present arrangement was an easy decision considering the pressures and challenges of the police service.
Please understand the Policing Agreement presently is a program and is not a stand alone policing serice nor is it legislated though it is governed by a Board. The continued negotiations to extend the present agreement for a 5 year period will not do too much to resolve the quality of the service. It is obvious there are two standards of policing in the Province and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service does not meet those standards. Both levels of Governments have failed to fulfill its obligations to protect and serve the People of Nishnawbe Aski Nation who are under Nishnawbe Aski Police Services. It compromises the life and safety of the Officers and aslo the membership of the first nation community it serves because it is nickel and diming the service.
Kashechewan is a community of over 1500 Members and is situationed along the coast of James Bay.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call Chief Jonathon Solomon.
Meegwetch
Thank you
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Kash pulls out of NAPS - Council upset no improvements made for First Nations policing
Posted By BY CHELSEY ROMAIN - June 26
Kashechewan residents have long dealt with an underfunded police service. Chief Jonathon Solomon and council say that is about to change.
On Wednesday, the James- Bay community's band council announced it has severed its ties with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.
Solomon said the government's announcement to cap funding to police services across the country was the final straw and the community was given no choice but to pull out of its current agreement with the service.
"The rug was pulled out from under us," Solomon told The Daily Press Wednesday. "We never really resolved anything and only added to the many challenges police forces are faced with."
Because NAPS is only a program, and not legislated like municipal or provincial police forces, the agreement can cease to exist at any time, Solomon said.
This spring, Solomon had given both the federal and provincial government 30 days to better the service, which was estimated to cost about $26 million.
The province pays 48 per cent of First Nation policing, while the federal government pays the remaining 52 per cent. Neither government would be the first to put its share forward.
"It's unfortunate," Solomon said, "but when you look at the situation, it was an easy decision to make."
Solomon applauded the NAPS officers who continue to work under the given circumstances, and said he does not blame them for the conditions.
While organizations such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have policies stating officers don't deal with serious situations by themselves, Solomon said in Kashechewan, there are nights when there are no officers on duty.
He said there have even been instances when no officers were available during the day for the community of about 1,500.
"It's about the health and safety of my people, but we're also concerned about the health and safety of the officers," he said.
The council gave itself a 90- day grace period in order to look at other options. For that time, NAPS will continue to work in the community.
"We have to start looking at other options, but we want to maintain that police presence in the community in the meantime," Solomon said.
MPP Gilles Bisson (NDP -- Timmins-James Bay) said he's almost certain that under the Ontario Police Service Act, the province has the moral and legal obligation to step in.
"The province had the opportunity to fix this a long time ago," Bisson said.
He added that the two levels of government play games with the funding needed.
"It really frustrated Kashechewan and put its council and community in a hell of a position."
Bisson said he is hoping to meet with Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci in the very near future to see what steps will be taken.
Bisson said by sending in the Ontario Provincial Police, the province will most likely end up spending the money it has been avoiding putting forward.
"We need to come to a resolution with Kashechewan and the province should at least be putting up their share of the $26 million," Bisson said. "The province has a $100 billion budget and NAPS is asking for $12 million.
"It isn't like the province can't afford it."
Solomon said by not improving policing service, the government is showing there are two different standards when it comes to policing -- one for the province and another for First Nation communities.
"People have to understand something about First Nation people," said Bisson. "They are infinitely patient and Solomon and council have shown a huge amount of patience.
"They gave the province all kinds of opportunities, but now they have no choice and this was a very serious decision for them."
In past months, there have been a few NAPS police stations closed because they don't meet provincial standards. Solomon said they won't get better if they remain under-funded and underresourced.
"These officers risk their lives, they try their best and they love their job, but at the same time they are being forced to work in these conditions," Solomon said. "It's a sad day when a community like Kash has to make this bold of a statement."
Solomon said he never thought it would come to this. He hopes it will make a difference, not only Kashechewan but other First Nation communities.
"I'd be happy if others lined up with me," Solomon said. "At the end of the day, I'm really hoping other First Nations will benefit ... and that this hasn't all fallen on deaf ears."