Sturgeon Lake First Nation has taken the first step toward establishing a formal working relationship with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service in an effort to strengthen public safety on reserve.
Chief and Council have passed a band council resolution directing the nation to begin discussions with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service on a memorandum of understanding that would see the agency provide services on Sturgeon Lake First Nation alongside the RCMP. The resolution was approved on June 8.
According to the First Nation, the agreement would support RCMP policing efforts while allowing the Marshals Service to conduct proactive investigations and enforcement activities on reserve lands. The proposed partnership would also include information sharing and greater coordination between the two organizations.
“Our members deserve a safer community, and that means addressing the real issues we are seeing on the ground — drugs, trespassing, theft and violence,” Chief Christine Longjohn said. “This resolution allows us to begin formal discussions with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service to strengthen services on reserve, improve co-ordination with the RCMP and ensure enforcement is carried out in a way that respects Sturgeon Lake First Nation.”
The First Nation says a finalized memorandum of understanding would establish a framework for future collaboration focused on safety, security and the well-being of community members. Chief and Council have directed negotiations to begin immediately.
Sturgeon Lake First Nation is located northwest of Prince Albert and has a membership of more than 3,200 people.
(Top Photo by Tina Pelletier)