Today we were very pleased to launch our 2nd annual “Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki” mentorship program in partnership with Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services, Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services, Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services and the Children’s Aid Society. group of people

Spear-headed by Cst. Darrell Rivers, GSPS Indigenous Liaison Officer, this initiative aims to assist in building positive relationships between Youth and GSPS Officers based on mutual respect, cultural awareness and inclusivity.
 
Each Youth is paired with a GSPS Officer and agency mentor for a moose hunt which will take place over the course of a weekend in September. Based on traditional Anishnawbek values through the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the program includes activities such as hunting education, firearms safety, First Aid, Tactical demonstrations, the Moose Hunt and teachings on gratitude and giving thanks.
 
Through spending quality time together in nature, the Officers and Youth will be given the opportunity to learn from one another about their culture and life perspectives, fostering inclusivity and a sense of mutual respect.
 
Being a Police Officer is not just about making arrests and holding offenders accountable; it is also about establishing community trust through positive interactions. Our youth are the leaders of today and tomorrow. It’s important to lift them up and create healthy atmospheres and experiences for them to gain confidence, life skills and teamwork.

The program is designed to promote the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of youth.
 
Above all else, we thank the Youth for their courage to participate in this program.
 
GSPS is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples and community partners in recognizing truths and continuing towards meaningful change in Greater Sudbury. We know that there is much work to be done and that this program is just one small step in the right direction!

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