Working with Indigenous leaders to improve public safety

Press Release

Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. The advisory committee was created after listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. As partners in reconciliation, Alberta’s government will continue having these conversations to find the best ways forward to a better future.

The new committee will play a central role in providing advice and recommendations to improve public safety throughout Alberta, including in Indigenous communities. The members will advise the government on public safety initiatives, including police and peace officer reform, restorative justice, victim services and crime prevention.

Committee members are leaders from Indigenous communities and organizations across the province and reflect the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.

“It is critical for our government to work closely with Indigenous Peoples in developing Alberta’s path forward in making sure our province is a place where everyone feels safe and protected. The committee will help us ensure our efforts to strengthen public safety are sensitive and responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

“Indigenous Peoples know the needs of their communities best, and that extends to urban centres. Indigenous-led solutions will bring meaningful improvements to safety and move us closer to reconciliation.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

The government has appointed Marlene Orr as the chair of the Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee. Orr is the chief executive officer of Native Counselling Services of Alberta and a member of the Parole Board of Canada’s National Indigenous Circle. She is a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6.

“The province recognizes that there are a myriad of issues Indigenous people in Alberta face regarding community safety and policing. I am honoured to have been appointed chair of the new Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee and look forward to working with provincial officials to address these complex and diverse matters.”

Marlene Orr, chair, Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee

The advisory committee will:

• Participate in ongoing dialogue regarding public security initiatives.
• Play a critical role in shaping policy and program direction.
• Foster mutual understanding and improve collaboration with Indigenous communities.
• Help ensure government processes align with the evolving needs of Indigenous communities across the province.

Other committee members

• Bradley Cunningham is from Peavine Metis Settlement. He is a community justice and mediation program coordinator with the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, a board member of the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal and a director on the board for the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
• Helen Flamand is from Treaty 7 and is a special project coordinator for Bigstone Cree Nation (Treaty 8) Justice and Public Safety.
• Thomas Laboucan-Avirom is a legal and economic development officer for the Woodland Cree First Nation (Treaty 8).
• David MacPhee is president of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation.
• Teddy Manywounds is director of justice for the Stoney Nakoda – Tsuut’ina Tribal Council.
• Josie Nepinak is from the Anishinaabe Nation (Treaty 3) and is the executive director of Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society.
• Tyler Oka is a federal reintegration worker with the Kainai Transition Centre Society, Community Corrections Program and is a member of Kainai Nation (Blood Reserve, Treaty 7).
• Karen Telford was previously the chairperson for Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, is a small business owner and serves on the K Division Commanding Officer (RCMP) Indigenous Advisory Council.
• Earl Thiessen is the executive director of the Oxford House Foundation of Canada.

Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, we are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.

Related news

• Enhancing public safety with Indigenous advisers (April 25, 2022)

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