Winnipeg Police Service welcomes Sheila North as first external Indigenous Relations Advisor

Press Release

September 2, 2025

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The Winnipeg Police Service is taking an important step forward on the path to Reconciliation with the appointment of the Service’s first external Indigenous Relations Advisor.

Chief Gene Bowers announced today that Sheila North will serve in this newly created role, bringing her extensive experience in Indigenous knowledge, engagement, and leadership to the Service.

“Reconciliation is about action; we have engaged with Indigenous communities to move forward together, fostering stronger relationships and continued collaboration,” said Chief Bowers. “The creation of this role represents a meaningful step in strengthening our connection with Indigenous peoples.”

“I am humbled Sheila has chosen to walk this road with us,” he added.

Sheila North is a nationally recognized leader and advocate. Between 2015 and 2018, she served as the first female Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). Her career has included roles as a journalist and host with CBC, political commentator with CTV, entrepreneur, Cree translator, filmmaker, and author.

“I look forward to helping renew and rebuild relationships between the Winnipeg Police Service and the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who live in our city and province.” Sheila remarked. “Any opportunity to make Winnipeg safer and more welcoming is one we can’t afford to miss.”

Internationally, Sheila North served as the Director of Missing Children, Residential Schools and Engagement at the International Commission on Missing Persons. Most recently, she was the Executive Director of External Indigenous Relations at the University of Winnipeg.

In her new role, Ms. North will provide candid insight, guidance, and advice to the WPS Executive Management Team on strategic initiatives specific to Indigenous engagement, relations, and Reconciliation.

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