M’CHIGEENG––In keeping with this year’s police week theme of ‘Celebrating Policing and Community Partnerships,’ UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service opened its doors to the community on Wednesday, May 16. Also on-site were community partners Manitoulin Harm Reduction Strategy, Manitoulin Family Resources, KenjgewinTeg, M’Chigeeng HUB Centre, and Noojmowin Teg.
“We can’t do policing alone,” explained Social Navigator Daughness Migwans. “We’ve done a lot of work to foster and strengthen the community part. We rely on them to be there.”
Community members and other visitors, including two future doctors visiting from Lakehead University and a Parisian police officer on vacation, were treated to facility tours, informative demonstrations, opportunities to speak with community partners, a barbecue and a passport to prizes. Up for grabs were a spring garden package, a fishing rod and tackle box, a bicycle and three hanging flower baskets. UCCM Castle Building Centre donated a wheelbarrow for the spring garden package and Espanola Canadian Tire donated the bike.
Facility tours offered a chance to meet the staff and learn about services provided and how the police work.
“Protecting people and community safety are not always about arresting and enforcing,” said Ms. Migwans, noting that police need the trust of the community to facilitate the sharing of information and working together to create and maintain safe communities. “The open house is a good trust building opportunity,” she continued. “It’s about spending time with people and getting them to know the work we do that they may not always see.”
Hanging on a hallway wall inside the station are three display cases containing police badges from other First Nations and police services around the world. Visitor Pierre, who is an anti-riot police officer in Paris, France, brought badges from Paris. The Expositor was able to capture the badge exchange on camera.
Outside, Community Services Officer Murray Still entertained a group of youth from M’Chigeeng at the police vehicle show and shine. UCCM Police Services aims to foster relationships with youth that remove the fear of police and it appears to be enjoying some measure of success under Constable Still. It’s part of their approach to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices that will ultimately result in safer, healthier communities. In addition to education sessions he provides on topics such as bullying and consent, the officer engages in many activities with community youth, such as hiking, boating, biking and a rods and reels activity. “I take them places they wouldn’t normally go,” he said. “It’s a great job.”
The youth climbed in the patrol vehicle and onto the police ATVs where Constable Still reminded them of safety precautions.
The vehicle was the best part of the day, agreed the children, although they also enjoyed learning about evidence gathering from officer Max Abotossaway in the scene of crime office (SOCO) and visiting Constable Jordan Atchison for a close-up look at some of his traffic equipment.
All who attended were warmly welcomed and well fed. In return, UCCM Police Service members were happy with the number of visitors and the support received from the community. “Working together makes everything better,” said Ms. Migwans.
