FHQ Tribal Council Elected Leadership Dismayed by RPS Claim of No Racism Within Ranks

(Fort Qu’Appelle, SK) The elected leadership of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council met yesterday and discussed the remarks made on December 10, 2015 by Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen regarding the issue of racism within the Regina Police Service. While we acknowledge the positive steps made throughout the years between Indigenous groups and the Regina Police Service, we were discouraged to learn of the unfortunate remarks made by RPS Police Chief Troy Hagen.

“Chief Hagen justifies his remarks using statistics of lack of proven racism within the RPS and its members, however as Indigenous people we know the systems that are in existence such as submitting a complaint directly to the police or to the Public Complaints Commission are not necessarily avenues that our Indigenous citizens and other marginalized groups are comfortable using. While anecdotal to the Police chief, we have many accounts of Indigenous people who have had negative experiences when dealing with the RPS”, states Elaine Chicoose, Tribal Vice Chair. “Racism, just like all the “isms” is hard to prove within established mainstream systems and their processes. There is often another explanation or justification used to account for people’s experiences. This is called erasure. Whether we are community, elected or appointed leadership we must always be mindful that our words and actions carry with them an impact. Chief Hagen’s words diminish or eradicate the legitimacy of some of our citizens’ reality. He should know that as human beings we aren’t perfect and therefore our processes also aren’t perfect and speaking in absolutes such as what he did, leaves little room for improvement or discussion.”

Since the signing of Treaty 4 in 1874, both representatives of the Crown and the Indigenous Peoples have committed to working together to coexist in harmony and prosperity. One of the treaty promises is the Red Coat “Police” will work to ensure the treaty promises are fulfilled and we will be protected. It is the responsibility of both parties to hold each other to the spirit and intent of those treaties.

Tribal Vice Chair Chicoose is optimistic the issue of race relations in Regina can be tackled through dialogue and partnership. “Our member Nations of the File Hills Qu’appelle Tribal Council rely on the good work of our Tribal Council with the Mayor and his City Council as well as the Police Chief with his Board of Commissioners. This topic is timely as it provides opportunity for reflection and action as we move forward as partners for the well being of all citizens who visit or call Regina home.”

For more information, contact Elaine Chicoose, Tribal Vice Chairperson, File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council – (306) 332-8200

The membership of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council are 11 First Nations within the Treaty 4 territory. It is a strong, vibrant organization evolving to assist, enhance and promote First Nations entities and its people, based on the spirit and intent of our Treaties.

Cory Generoux Communications Specialist

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (306) 527-8424 Cory.Generoux@fhqtc.com

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