Chemawawin Detachment

Contact Information:
General Delivery
Easterville, MB
R0C 0V0
Ph: (204) 329-2004
Fax: (204) 329-2008

Location:
In 1963, Manitoba Hydro constructed a dam in Grand Rapids, resulting in extensive flooding of the area known as the Old Post. The Chemawawin Cree Nation, as a result, is currently located adjacent to the Metis community of Easterville, on the southeast shore of Cedar Lake.

Local Population:
There are 1082 people in the First Nation community, and another 461 outside the community. There are about 61 Metis people.

RCMP Detachment:
Four RCMP officers serve the detachment area.

Community-based problem solving:

Often, groups are already in place to deal with ongoing concerns or community projects. The following details what community challenges are being addressed by the members of the RCMP in partnership with their community. The major working groups include:

Community Consultive Group: This committee consists of members of various agencies within the Chemawawin First Nation who contribute the perspectives and issues of their particular organizations. This committee meets every month to discuss policing, health, education, and other concerns. Plans are put in motion to develop solutions with realistic and attainable goals, which will improve the community’s quality of life.

Anti Abuse Committee: This committee is a partnership of all the agencies within the community including representatives from the band, community, school, police, Awasis and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

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Restorative and alternative justice:

Nationwide, members of the RCMP are involved in alternative justice processes, whether volunteering as facilitators or sitting on steering committees. Each community may embrace a different form of restorative justice, be it community justice forums, circle sentencing, or mediation.

Crime prevention:

Members of the RCMP are involved with a number of programs designed to prevent crime in our communities through both indirect and direct intervention. From school talks to youth initiatives to community safety plans, the goal of crime prevention programs is to target the roots of potential criminal and social problems. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

School Liaisons: Members are assigned to the local community school. They meet with school officials, the education authority, and teachers, to determine what types of programs can be presented to the students. They also speak to students directly and get feedback on topics they would like to hear about.

Safe Homes and Safe Communities: In consultation with community leaders and various agencies, proactive policing has been highly effective with youth, elders, and community members. The local band constable and RCMP conduct various crime prevention programs.

School Talks: Members of this detachment conduct school talks on a variety of issues including drug abuse, bullying, water safety, bicycle safety, and other subjects.

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Police-community relations:

Without a solid base upon which to work, the police cannot hope to build the necessary partnerships with the community to prevent crime and to solve community problems. Members of the RCMP strive to build those bridges by appreciating the needs of the communities in which they work and live. Their commitment to the community goes beyond simple participation as residents, but also as active members of the community. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

R.C.M.P. Detachment “Open House Policy”: The detachment has an “open house” policy, which enables the community members to come and discuss issues of policing in the community.

Red Serge Duty: Members participate in Red Serge duties when requested to attend community events.

Youth Centre: There is a youth centre in Chemawawin and the gym is open after hours to allow time for kids to play sports.

Summer Youth Employment: The Chemawawin Band attempts to recruit students to work with the RCMP during the summer.

Community Events/ Sporting Activities: Members of this unit participate in all events within the community. Members continue to make contributions by providing programs for developmental skills.

Terry Fox Run: Members participated in this event in conjunction with the Chemawawin School.

Quality service through strategic partnerships:

The community also benefits directly and indirectly from strategic partnerships that the RCMP forms with other law enforcement and governmental agencies as well as with as with other community groups. Several unique associations have been formed:

• Chief and Council
• Mayor and Council
• Partners in Law Enforcement
• Manitoba Natural Resources
• The Sheriff's Department
• Chemawawin Education Authority
• Cree Nation Child & Family Services
• Awasis Agency
• Chemawawin NADAP