Regina, Saskatchewan – The Treaty 4 Police Academy, a new state-of-the-art training facility for police officers, is set to open in Regina in 2024. This announcement was made by the Regina Police Service and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) on Wednesday.
The academy, which will be located on the University of Regina campus, will provide training for both new recruits and experienced officers. It will also serve as a hub for ongoing professional development for police officers in the region.
According to the FSIN, the academy will focus on incorporating Indigenous perspectives and teachings into police training, with the goal of improving relationships between law enforcement and Indigenous communities.
“This is a significant step towards reconciliation and building trust between our communities and the police,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in a statement.
The academy will also feature a cultural centre, where Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers will be available to provide guidance and support to officers.
The Regina Police Service has been working closely with the FSIN and other Indigenous organizations to develop the curriculum for the academy. They hope that this partnership will lead to a better understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions among police officers.
“We recognize the need for cultural competency and sensitivity in our officers, and this academy will help us achieve that,” said Regina Police Chief Evan Bray.
The academy is expected to cost $60 million, with funding coming from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the City of Regina. The FSIN has also committed to providing financial support for the academy.
The announcement of the Treaty 4 Police Academy has been met with positive reactions from both the Indigenous community and law enforcement agencies.
“This is a significant investment in the future of policing in our province,” said Saskatchewan’s Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Christine Tell.
The academy is expected to have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of Indigenous officers, as well as improving relationships between police and Indigenous communities.
“We are committed to creating a more inclusive and culturally competent police force, and the Treaty 4 Police Academy is a crucial step in that direction,” said Chief Cameron.
The academy is set to open in 2024, and it is hoped that it will serve as a model for other police training facilities across the country. With its focus on reconciliation and cultural understanding, the Treaty 4 Police Academy is a significant step towards building a more equitable and just society.
