RCMP working under Aboriginal Poliicng???

[Vets Dottir]

Hi.

I was surprized some time back to learn there are no regular police in this small town community like other small towns I know and it's handled by RCMP here instead.

It was also not so long ago finally got a 911 service and anyone had to know the local police station number when they needed the police. I'm sure glad they have 911 now, even though calls are directed to a central calling point in BC who in turn contacts/alerts the local police. The long distance despatchers don't know "local" so you also have to tell them details about "where" etc to go. I mention all this just as FYI

I googled the local RCMP for info and discovered that the RCMP here are UNDER an Aboriginal Policing thing, which I never heard of aboriginal policing before and it seems odd to me also that although I learned there is a reserve near, I don't think this community is on reserve or I would surely know that wouldn't I???  ??? ;D

Okay, all that said, can anyone tell me why policing in Cranbrook BC is done under Aboriginal policing? and also how is that different than any other policing by the RCMP anywhere else? I don't get it.

Thanks

 

[stukirkpatrick]

Hi there,

I can point you in the right direction at least, though I am not in BC, nor in a community served by aboriginal policing.  Depending on the size of the First Nations community near your location, and whether the RCMP is responsible for service to that community, they may work under the Aboriginal Policing mandate to enhance cooperation with that community.

Do not worry, for non First Nations people in Cranbrook, you would still have access to any normal police service that you may require, be it emergency or routine.  The local RCMP's dealing with the local First Nations community in your area would only be enhanced. 

The link to further information for E Division Aboriginal Policing is http://www.bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=333&languageId=1

 

[Vets Dottir]

Hi back

Thanks a lot for responding Sierra Kilo, appreciate that!

I'm embarrassed to say I googled after I posted and actually found that page as well, after following a LOT of links in RCMP sites ... I browsed the sections, and that combined with your replies explains a lot I understand better. Your bits helped me!! Good to know the connections doesn't change normal policing any Canadians would expect (geez, I must sound stupid  :crybaby: but I had to ask)

I don't know that the RCMP service the resevation but it makes sense to think it does. I know it's a short drive to a casino people talk about that is on reserve land so it must be very close to town.

I read your reply and googled for the "band?" name connected to this area and found this reference:

The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council (formerly the Kootenay Indian Area Council) with headquarters in Cranbrook, British Columbia, was established in the early 1970’s to promote the political goals and socio-cultural needs of the Ktunaxa Nation and the Kinbasket people.

The Ktunaxa Nation distinguishes between the sub-groups of the “Upper Kootenay” and the “Lower Kootenay”, recognizing that the Lower Kootenay have developed specialized knowledge about water resources, fish and waterfowl harvesting, and the use of plants.

http://www.greatcanadianlakes.com/british_columbia/kootenay/culture-home.html

It's good to have learned a little more about this community as I really don't know it or the people at all. I do like learning a bit about community and area history and I'm sure a lot of you know about this guy who I learned about after moving here  ;D

http://www.samsteeledays.org/samsteele.php

BTW, I read the arming the border crossing problems thread and that inspired me to try find answers about the policing set up here. I really don't know a lot about the Aboriginal vs Canada yada yada issues in general and it's time I learned more to get at least a basic understanding.

FYI ... I prefer to slot myself as "Canadian" even though I'd be considered metis I guess (fur trade descendant) but ... I'm a Canadian citizen born and bred and want the run of the whole country and the freedoms and restrictions that go with that  ;D