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Aboriginal policing history

Canada’s Aboriginal communities have a long tradition of peacekeeping that precedes European settlement. This tradition is taking a new form as Aboriginal communities seek greater control over policing services. The following is a brief overview of that history and reveals some important trends of the last thirty years.

• Since Confederation: 1800s to early 1900s
• New era : 1960s and 1970s
• New policy and growth: 1990
• Today

Since Confederation: 1800s to early 1900s

Indian Band Constables played an essential role in maintaining peace and order in Aboriginal communities. These constables were Aboriginal and their role was to address local policing issues, including the enforcement of band by-laws. Their roles evolved over the years, but their jurisdiction remained quite limited and was superseded by RCMP, provincial police forces and Indian Agents. This situation led to numerous conflicts between communities and police officers, which increased in the post-war era as Aboriginal activism and self-determination increased.

New era: 1960s and 1970s

Aboriginal policing changed significantly in the 1960s and 1970s. It became clear to the communities, justice officials and law enforcement officers that a policing approach that respects the language, culture and way of life of Aboriginal people is most effective. Several studies and task forces looked at ways to improve policing services provided to Aboriginal communities, and recommended the employment of Aboriginal peoples in a comprehensive policing role. In 1977, the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Department became the first self-administered, Aboriginal police service in Canada.

New policy and growth: 1990

In 1990, a federal review of Aboriginal policing initiatives across the country identified a wide range of policing services being delivered, often with inconsistent presence in the community and inadequate training. As a result, and after broad consultation with provinces, territories and First Nations, the federal government introduced the First Nations Policing Policy (FNPP) in 1991.

Under the FNPP, policing agreements are negotiated between First Nations, the federal government, and provincial and territorial governments. Policing services under the FNPP are either administered by the First Nations themselves, or administered by the RCMP through a dedicated, on-reserve police service.

Today

Currently, there are 142 FNPP agreements, providing services to 319 Aboriginal communities for a total population of almost 240,000. There are 1000 police officers working under the program, most of whom are Aboriginal.