Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Council joined federal and provincial public safety ministers on Monday to sign an agreement to prioritize community safety and possibly explore self-policing. Prince Albert Grand Council represents 12 First Nations and 28 communities, including James Smith Cree Nation, and the letter was signed at the PAGC annual general assembly. Chief of James Smith speaksWally Burns, chief of the James Smith band of James Smith Cree Nation, also spoke in Prince Albert after the letter of intent was announced. Burns said the agreement is an important step forward in improving community safety, as he reflected on the trauma from the mass killings. They said officers who come from the community and are stationed there could be key in improving community safety.

Source: CBC News October 18, 2022 08:51 UTC