Winnipeg, MB - Councillor Scott Gillingham, Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board, announced the members of the Board's Indigenous Council on Policing and Crime Prevention today at one of the Board's regular public meetings.
In December 2014, the Board passed a resolution committing itself to establish a council that would provide advice and recommendations for how it could better engage with Indigenous people in Winnipeg. The mandate of the council is to provide information, knowledge and advice to the Board related to Indigenous people's safety concerns and the priorities, objectives and policies the Board sets for the Winnipeg Police Service.
After consulting with local Indigenous leaders, the Board asked community members to nominate individuals to the council. The Board reviewed the nominations and appointed members according to guidelines in the council's interim terms of reference. The council includes Elders, youth, representatives of families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and individuals involved with a number of Indigenous community-based organizations, governance bodies, representative organizations and political coordinating entities.
â�ÅI'm honoured that such an outstanding group of local Indigenous people has agreed to advise the Board on how the priorities we set for the Winnipeg Police Service can better reflect the needs and values of our Indigenous communities,â�� said Councillor Gillingham. â�ÅOur Board is looking forward to working with and learning from this council.â��
The council will share information and recommendations with the Board. The Board will use its relationship with the council to improve its public engagement plan and to inform its strategic priorities, policies, administrative direction and performance management for the Winnipeg Police Service.
Indigenous Council on Policing and Crime Prevention Members:
Jarred Baker has worked in the social services field with a focus on the Indigenous community for the past 10 years. Currently he is the Director of Programs at the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg.
Mel Chartrand, together with his wife, Shirley, established a healing centre which has attained international accreditation. He has provided trauma treatment and wellness services to the Indigenous community for over 26 years.
Ken Fleury is a former family violence counselor with legal and social work training. He is also a former Corrections Officer who has worked several years in provincial and federal institutions. He is currently the Executive Director of the Native Clan Organization which is a community based not for profit organization, which operates a halfway house called Manitou House.
Shauna Fontaine was selected as one of the delegates from Manitoba to attend the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls demonstrating her capacity at developing relationships and advocating for change. Currently she is the Violence Prevention and Safety Coordinator for the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO).
Jade Harper brings with her several years' experience in program development and management with specialized skills in the areas of community mobilization, engagement and consultation. Jade has dedicated both her professional and community life to supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples and as such has worked at the local, provincial, and national levels on issues such as education, youth capacity development, health, violence and sexual exploited youth and children.
Damon Johnston has been an advocate for and within the Indigenous community for over 25 years. He is an active volunteer and has served in various roles within the City of Winnipeg. Currently he is the President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg.
Angela Lavallee has several years' experience working with boards and committees and volunteers her time supporting women and girls on their journey of breaking the cycle of violence. She is currently moving into her new role as Spirit of Peace Coordinator at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc.
Kyle Mason received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for founding and leading the North End Family Centre where he is currently the Executive Director. He is completing graduate studies towards a Masters of Business Administration in Non-Profit Management through Trinity Western University.
Kim McPherson is actively involved in healing programs and activities which assist families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. Her sister was killed by her spouse two years ago in British Columbia. Kim has a Baccalaureate of Nursing and a Law Degree.
Lenard Monkman is committed to bettering the lives of the urban Indigenous community by being a voice and creating opportunities. He is actively involved in Meet me at the Bell Tower and volunteering with Aboriginal Youth Opportunities (AYO).
Cora Morgan has extensive experience working with and meeting the needs of Indigenous women and girls. Currently she is the new Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' First Nations Family Advocate.
Geraldine Shingoose, BSW has over 25 years' experience in the field of social work. She is a residential school survivor whose traditional teachings were passed down to her from her father. She is a community leader who has garnished respect in the grassroots circle, provincial government and Indigenous organizations throughout Manitoba.
Bernadette Smith is a spokesperson locally, nationally and internationally on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the co-founder of Drag the Red initiative. She is the sister of Claudette Osborne, who has been missing since 2007.
Willie Starr has provided support to families of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. His sister, Jennifer Catcheway, has been missing since June 19, 2008. Currently he is a full time student and dedicated father who believes that his life experiences will have a positive impact with the citizens of Winnipeg.
Alternate Members:
Alternate - Shirley Chartrand, together with her husband, Mel, has been providing services that address victims of crime, victims of domestic violence, murdered and missing women, and survivors of Indian residential schools and the sixties scoop.
Alternate - Eleanor Paulic, has years of experience working within the Indigenous community. In her current capacity as the house manager at Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc., she assesses and supports the needs of the youth in the community.
Further information about the Board and the Indigenous Council on Policing and Crime Prevention, including the Council's Interim Terms of Reference, is available on the Board's website.