FSIN Unveils Peacekeepers Pilot Project

FSIN Unveils Peacekeepers Pilot Project

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 13:24

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is taking a step towards its goal of having First Nations peacekeepers on reserves to deal with crises.

The FSIN announced a pilot program in conjunction with SIAST earlier today.

The Indigenous Peacekeeping Training Pilot Project began February 1st and is training 80 First Nations people at four locations — La Ronge, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton.

Doris Greyeyes, the FSIN’s justice director, says the idea is that peacekeepers will help RCMP officers, not replace them.

Training for the first students will be completed by the end of June, which will be followed by field work.

Upon completion, the peacekeepers will return to their home communities.

Chiefs have long made the call for First Nations peacekeepers due to the high number of police shooting incidents on reserves the past few years.