Yesterday we held the concluding ceremony and feast for our 3rd annual Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki – Moose Who Teaches Land Survival. This mentorship program is in partnership with Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services, Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services, Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services, Children's Aid Society of Sudbury and Manitoulin, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre and the Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry. group of people standing smiling

Spear-headed by Cst. Darrell Rivers, GSPS Indigenous Liaison Officer, this initiative assists in building positive relationships between Youth and GSPS Officers based on mutual respect, cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Teachings include:

  • The Seven Grandfather teachings
  • Indigenous History and Culture
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Teachings by Elders and knowledge keepers
  • Responsibility to land, self and others
  • Leadership
  • Life promotion

Each Youth was gifted brand new gear and camping equipment, and paired with a GSPS Officer and agency mentor for the moose hunt over 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 had the opportunity to learn from one another about their culture and life perspectives, developing trust 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. Chi-Miigwetch to all community partners for coming together to make this possible. Special thank you to Margaret Gordon for cooking yesterday’s delicious meal. Thank you to Jim Eshkawkogan for the opening prayer.

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