Manitoba RCMP Divisional Action Plan to Address Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples
Executive summary
The D Division RCMP Action Plan to Address Violence and Discrimination Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples provides areas for action based on the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples.
The Plan presents a synthesized version of findings for RCMP D Division to action from thousands of pages of testimony across communities, from Survivors, Family Members, Knowledge Keepers, Experts and Elders. Three items rise above the rest when reviewing the testimony and Calls for Justice. These are issues that were front of mind for many and talked about consistently during the hearings. These issues warrant focus and concerted effort, and are items that have the potential to act as catalysts for wider change in the RCMP.
Item 1: Core police functions
In the hearings, time after time, we heard testimony about investigative gaps, inconsistent practices in response to the public, lack of cultural awareness among members, discrimination towards Indigenous peoples and the need for better training. Lack of trust in the RCMP was apparent throughout. Key actions must address the following:
- investigations
- prevention
- education
- Indigenous units & policing
Item 2: Police administration and operations
The operation of the Division as well as the discharge of policies to increase safety and prevent crime was also a key subject for those who spoke their truths. Issues ranged from the provision of culturally relevant and accessible victim services; to better recruitment, retention and representation of Indigenous peoples on the Force; to more engagement with Indigenous communities in oversight; to better data collection and research. The following areas require key actions:
- victim services
- recruiting & retention
- Advisory Committee & oversight
- research & reporting
Item 3: Reconciliation, communication and partnerships
Lack of appropriate communication between Indigenous peoples and the RCMP was a key issue for those who testified. Additionally, the systemic issues of bias, racism and discrimination were also evident. The following areas require key actions:
- communication
- reconciliation & partnerships
The first step in the Plan is the establishment of a Joint Action Circle (JAC) to prioritize areas of concerns and develop more detailed and specific strategies. The JAC will include representatives from various Indigenous organizations, communities, RCMP units, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors and family members. The JAC will be Indigenous-led and survivor-centric.
This Action Plan is the first wide reflection for D Division on the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG+. It is just a starting point intended to fuel conversation through further engagement with our Indigenous partners. We at D Division are committed to the key actions outlined in this plan to address violence and discrimination against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. We are committed to being an active participant in decolonizing Canada. We are committed to being accountable to the Indigenous communities we serve in this province. We are committed to change.
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