The Delta Police Department encourages its police officers and community members to participate in The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a walk on the Tsawwassen First Nation this Sept. 30.
This day provides everyone an opportunity to honour the memories of all those whose lives were lost and/or impacted through Canada’s Residential Schools.
The event brings together Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples with a shared interest in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships in our communities. Many Tsawwassen First Nation members will be sharing music, prayers, cultural education, and stories passed down through generations.
Reconciliation involves more than acknowledging the past; it requires a deliberate effort to change current practices and build trusting relationships. The Delta Police Department is committed to such progress and continues to elaborate on its respectful community policing model.
Jointly in 2017, the Delta Police Department and the Tsawwassen First Nation created a policing model where both parties collaborated to create a designated Service Team for Tsawwassen First Nation lands.
The police officers on this team are dedicated daily to listening, learning, and taking meaningful actions towards reconciliation and repairing relationships between law enforcement and Indigenous peoples.
The Delta Police Department has committed to integrating Indigenous perspectives into its yearly training programs. This includes partnering with Indigenous educators to develop curriculum focused on cultural awareness and historical context, which has become mandatory training for all DPD officers.
Furthermore, officers are provided courses on trauma-informed policing, critical incident de-escalation, and cultural sensitivity training. This extensive training has provided our team with alternative and creative ways to approach situations ultimately resulting in more favourable outcomes for all people involved.
The path to reconciliation is a challenging one, but the Delta Police Department’s proactive stance represents a significant step towards repairing trust and building a foundation of mutual respect with the Tsawwassen First Nation. Through collaboration and cooperation, we are working with our friends from TFN. It is encouraged that everyone steps outside of their comfort zone to speak about First Nations history and relationships.
