At the heart of the confrontation were roughly two dozen homeless people staying in the park, some for upwards of a year. ![]() “This isn’t the way to do this,” a protester called out, as the line of officers moved in. They were met by hundreds of protesters, some trying to pull down the barriers as police pushed back on the fenceline and workers in bright vests fastened the links together with long black zip ties. “For police services across Canada, it is only through learning about history – and their own oftentimes painful contribution to that history – that the process of healing can begin, and true reconciliation and system reform can happen.Trinity Bellwoods was already buzzing on Tuesday with enforcement - police and security, on foot, bikes and horseback, with a drone hovering overhead - when a line of uniformed officers roughly five dozen strong marched into the south half of the west-end park.Īs security nodded, officers passed through a line of blue metal fencing that city workers had built that morning around two homeless camps. “My aim has always been to affect change from within the Toronto Police and realize the goal of expanding the TPS’s role in community policing and improving the relationships with First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ontario,” said Mr. I hope my role is a stepping stone for that change.”Īs part of its commitment to build trust and strengthen relationships with diverse communities, all TPS officers take part in a mandatory annual in-service training program which includes a component specific to learning about Indigenous peoples, created in partnership with the Aboriginal Consultative Committee.įred Martin, the Service’s new Indigenous Engagement Specialist, stresses the importance of education and training to help build greater respect for and a deeper understanding of the Indigenous perspective. ![]() If you want something changed, join them and change people’s opinion. He added, “I would encourage Indigenous peoples to join police services. “I try to educate people and change their perceptions, and if someone is willing to have a conversation with me, it can help them understand.” “I’ve always wanted to help people and to bridge gaps in our communities,” he said. “Two men from Anishnaabe communities were also pivotal in helping to diffuse tensions and to explain what was going on.” “I think the Service did a good job of maintaining the fire – a log was put on it to let the fire burn down naturally,” said Constable Johns. Officers ensured a sacred fire lit by those living in the park remained undisturbed and were there to explain what was happening and help diffuse any tension. My job is to break down those walls and leave the door open to help people.”Ĭonstable Johns was one of the officers’ on-hand at Trinity Bellwoods Park in June during the re-housing of homeless people living there in encampments. “Growing up on the reserve, outside police aren’t welcome. ![]() Some were guarded at first because of previous police interactions they felt hadn’t gone so well,” said Constable Johns. ![]() “I go around to native organizations and communities here in the division and talk to people to see if I can help out. He brings his own lived-experience to his role and understands the struggles and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. Constable Johns is Haudenosaunee and grew up on the Six Nations reserve, where his mother still lives. With support from Aboriginal Liaison Officers, the APU also acts as a resource for fellow officers to help them become better informed about Indigenous history and customs, and to promote awareness and sensitivity when interacting with members of the Indigenous community.Ĭonstable Eli Johns is an Aboriginal Liaison Officer and a member of the community response unit in downtown Toronto’s 14 division. Since its creation in 1992, the Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit (the APU) has expanded its mandate, outreach efforts and community partnerships in order to directly support Indigenous people in Toronto and improve their access to police services. Toronto Police was one of the first large urban police services to establish a unit specifically to meet the needs of Indigenous communities in the city. It has been an opportunity to honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada, and to reflect on the Service’s critical efforts to further build meaningful and trusting relationships with Indigenous communities in Toronto.
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