If you are interested in becoming a student in the Indigenous Police Preparation Diploma program, please contact Nancy Stokes, Community Programs’ Assistant, at n.stokes@uwinnipeg.ca or 982-1811 for more information.
WINNIPEG, MB – Funding from the Government of Canada is allowing The University of Winnipeg, the RCMP and the Manitoba Métis Federation’s Louis Riel Institute to launch a results-oriented police preparation training program specifically designed to assist First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to qualify as police candidates.
The Indigenous Police Preparation Diploma, to be offered through UWinnipeg’s Division of Continuing Education, is the first of its kind in Manitoba. A Memorandum of Understanding cementing the partnership was signed today by David Chartrand, President, Manitoba Métis Federation, Darrell Madill, Assistant Commissioner, RCMP and Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg.
The Diploma program requires eight months of full-time study, and begins in September 2008. It will encompass academic preparation with courses such as Managing Conflict, Aboriginal History and Culture, Policing in Canada, Criminal Law, Ethics in Policy, Family Violence, First Aid and CPR, as well as physical fitness training. RCMP trainers will conduct fitness tests on a regular basis at UWinnipeg’s newly-renovated Duckworth Centre. The goal is to provide graduates with a highly-transportable skill set that will allow them to be successful in applying for positions with the RCMP as well as regional, municipal and tribal police forces. Another unique aspect of the Diploma program is graduates who choose to continue their studies may apply some of their credits towards a UWinnipeg undergraduate degree.
The Government of Canada, through the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, provided $65,000 to develop the curriculum which forms the basis of the new Indigenous Police Preparation Diploma.
“We are pleased to have been able to assist in bringing the key players to the table on this important initiative,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Law enforcement agencies are going to have access to skilled, well-trained Aboriginal students who will be able to support their own communities.”
The University of Winnipeg is dedicated to leading the way in Canada to create a university experience that is both relevant and respectful to all our Indigenous peoples Peoples population.
“Our commitment to providing leadership in aAboriginal education is so central, it is one of our six key goals for the coming decade,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “Professional policing that reflects and serves all members of our community is an essential part of a respectful justice system, and the cornerstone of our democracy and human rights. The partnership we are forging here today is an ideal example of how the University and the broader community can work together to strengthen our neighbourhoods, our province and our country.”
In 2007, members of the RCMP “D” Division approached The University of Winnipeg and identified the need for a program that would assist police in reflecting our diverse communities, with a focus on preparing Métis, First Nation and Inuit people for careers in the force. A third partner, the Louis Riel Institute, the educational branch of the Manitoba Métis Federation, created a successful proposal and obtained federal funding for course development.
“The partnership created today will strengthen our Métis Youth and help build a safe and healthy future for all Manitobans. The Manitoba Métis Federation continues to promote education that will positively impact our Community, make valuable contributions to our society and build on our relationships with the University of Winnipeg and the RCMP to better serve our province,” said David Chartrand, President, Manitoba Métis Federation.
“This program will assist the RCMP to better prepare Aboriginal applicants for success in the law enforcement application process” said Assistant Commissioner Darrell Madill, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division.
Under the agreement, UWinnipeg will be responsible for development and delivery of academic content, including selection of instructors and student evaluation. The RCMP and Louis Riel Institute will be responsible for recruiting program participants with visits to rural and Northern Manitoba communities as well as Winnipeg and other cities. The Louis Riel Institute will also provide critical support such as access to Elders and the RCMP will supply guest speakers.
An Advisory Committee consisting of members from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Justice, and The University of Winnipeg will ensure the curriculum continues to be relevant and applicable.
Click Here for Backgrounder on Indigenous Police Preparation Program (IPPD)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7126 E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
