Alberta and Assembly of First Nations Call for Federal Action on First Nations Policing

Premier Danielle Smith and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse are calling for the federal government to move forward on its First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. The two leaders issued a joint statement calling on Ottawa to provide funding and legislative support for First Nations policing as an essential service across Indigenous communities.

“First Nations police services must reflect the values, cultures, and unique needs of the communities they serve,” Premier Smith and Chief Woodhouse said in a joint statement. They stressed the need for sustainable and predictable funding to ensure that Indigenous-led police services have the resources to deliver a high standard of community policing.

The Alberta government has already committed over $22.5 million in support of First Nations policing in 2024, with $12.2 million allocated to three self-administered police services. Additionally, the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant has been provided to multiple Indigenous communities exploring self-administered policing options. Alberta is also working with Siksika First Nation and Enoch First Nation to develop their police services.

Both Smith and Woodhouse want the federal government to match Alberta’s funding efforts. “To achieve equitable and effective policing for First Nations, it’s crucial for all levels of government to step up,” the statement reads.

The leaders said there is a need for reform following several high-profile deaths of First Nations individuals during police interactions. Woodhouse and Smith pointed to systemic gaps in governance, recruitment, and culturally informed training that must be addressed. Many of the gaps have already been outlined in reports such as the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“We call on the federal government to uphold its commitment to Indigenous communities,” Woodhouse said. “The establishment of Indigenous-led police services is essential for equity, justice, and improved community safety.”