OTTAWA – December 15, 2011 – Today RCMP Commissioner, Bob Paulson, and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, signed a jointly developed agreement which will see the RCMP and AFN working collaboratively on issues related to missing and murdered Aboriginal persons. This agreement will address the ability to resolve historical and contemporary cases, enhance crime prevention initiatives and communication with victims, families and communities.
“Consultation is key to building and maintaining trusting relationships with our Aboriginal communities,” said RCMP Commissioner, Bob Paulson. “The RCMP is keenly aware that Aboriginal people face considerably higher risks of violence and homicide. The agreement with the Assembly of First Nations is a positive step forward; one which we hope will help change this reality".
Aboriginal Policing is one of the RCMP’s five strategic priorities. The relationship with the AFN assists the RCMP in delivering culturally competent policing services that contribute to the safety and security of the over 600 Aboriginal communities they serve.
“Ending violence against Indigenous women and all Indigenous peoples is a key priority for First Nations in Canada,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. “This agreement and our continued work with the RCMP is a part of our broad efforts and commitment to achieving justice for the far too many victims and families impacted by violence”.
The RCMP currently works in collaboration with a number of partners to address the health and safety of Aboriginal people, including other law enforcement agencies, provincial and territorial governments, as well as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies, and the public.
The RCMP is also leading task forces across the country dedicated to actively reviewing files of missing women, including Aboriginal women, and is establishing a National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR). The NCMPUR will have an experienced Aboriginal police officer from the RCMP National Aboriginal Policing Services embedded within it specifically focused on issues related to missing Aboriginal persons.
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For more information on RCMP initiatives related to missing and murdered Aboriginal persons, visit: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/aboriginal-autochtone/mmaw-fada-eng.htm or contact:
RCMP Media Relations
Tel: 613-843-5999
