M’CHIGEENG—UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service played host to a meeting on Thursday, May 11 between Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Vince Hawkes and six First Nation chiefs of police from across the province.
“This meeting included most of Ontario’s First Nation Police Chiefs from across the province, namely Police Chief Gary Reid, Wikwemikong Tribal Police; Police Chief John Domm, Rama Police; Police Chief Rick Angeconeb, Lac Seul Police Service; Police Chief Louis Napish, Treaty Three Police; and Police Chief John Syrette and Deputy Police Chief Dave Whitlow, Anishinabek Police Services,” Sergeant Brad Mack of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service told The Expositor. Sgt. Mack also sat in on the meetings, representing his office.
“In attendance from our OPP partners were OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes, Deputy Commissioner Gary Couture, Chief Superintendent Fern Labelle, Superintendent Paul Mackey, Assistant Superintendent Brian Therrien, Inspector Carole Matthews and many other OPP support staff,” the sergeant added.
“The purpose of this meeting was for the leaders of the Ontario First Nations police services and leaders of the Ontario Provincial Police to liaise and share concerns, comments and continue to build relationships as partners across the province,” Sgt. Mack continued. “We all have one common goal and that is to provide security and safety for the people of our communities that we work for. By working collectively, we are able to do the best possible job and provide the best possible service available.”
The OPP and First Nation police chiefs were treated to a fish fry with fish provided by Police Chief Rick Angeconeb of the Lac Seul Police Service as well as a traditional song by the UCCM Police Drum.
