GSPS Moose Hunt Pilot Project

Last night, we held our concluding ceremony and feast for our first ever Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki, Moose Hunt initiative. Spear-headed by Cst. Darrell Rivers, GSPS Indigenous Liaison Officer, this initiative aimed to assist in building positive relationships between Indigenous Youth and GSPS Officers based on mutual respect, cultural awareness and inclusivity. In partnership with Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services, Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services, Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the project was designed to promote the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of Indigenous Youth. 

Each Youth was paired with a GSPS Officer and agency mentor for a moose hunt which took place over the course of a weekend in September. Based on traditional Anishnawbek values through the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the program included 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 were given the opportunity to develop mutual respect for each other, their culture, and life perspectives fostering inclusivity. Through initiating partnerships with various agencies to support Indigenous Youth, we hoped to assist them with connecting with their heritage and to make positive memories that will last a lifetime.

We thank Nokomis Martina Osawamick for the opening prayer. A special thank you to Angela Recollet and staff of Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre. Their continued and ongoing support of these initiatives truly assists to build positive and meaningful relationships with the Indigenous community. We thank Darren McGregor, Lyle Peltier and Perry McLeod-Shabogesic for volunteering their time to this great initiative.

We thank our own GSPS Constable Wes Katulka, Constable Kyle Chandler and Constable Jean-Yves Lacasse. Being a Police Officer is not just about making arrests and holding offenders accountable; it is also about establishing community trust through positive interactions.

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 tonight is just a small step in the right direction.