WIIKWEMKOONG—The Wiikwemkoong arena hall was bustling on October 10 as members of the community and Wikwemikong Board of Education’s 600 students toured the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) Community Safety Fair.
Students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with members of the WTPS, Ontario Provincial Police, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as other important community safety services.
Students had the opportunity for a close look at the work of scenes of crime officers, complete with fingerprinting and a mock crime scene. Other experiences included the chance to interact with the Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team, which services all seven of the Mnidoo Mnising First Nation communities, Manitoulin Northshore Victims Services, a car seat clinic, the WTPS mobile crisis response team and a crime and drug enforcement unit. Outside, students could explore the OPP’s mobile command unit as well as the WTPS boat, snowmobiles, ATVs and cruisers.
Miniature flak jackets were also on-hand for students to try on, with the help of a constable.
WTPS Chief of Police Ron Gignac told The Expositor he was pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to highlight the partnerships all the provincial, federal and Island agencies have with WTPS.