Sheshatshiu Labrador

Sheshatshiu is geographically located approximately 32 km Northwest of Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Labrador. It is accessible by paved road from Goose Bay, which in turn is accessible by air, ferry or the Trans Labrador Highway through northern Quebec. Sheshatshiu is an Innu First Nations community with a population of approximately 1200 residents. Sheshatshiu does not currently have reserve status but efforts are underway to create a reserve.

Policing

The RCMP Community Policing Officer in Sheshatshiu was officially opened June 21, 2005, National Aboriginal day. It was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice (first day of summer and longest day of the year) and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage.

The Innu in Sheshatshui celebrated with the opening of a new RCMP building designed to celebrate their culture and heritage. This project was a joint venture between Public Safety Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs, Health Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with Public Works Government Services Canada as the delivery agent. The project was in keeping with spirit and indicatives identified under the Labrador Innu Healing Strategy supported by the Government of Canada.

The facility is a contemporary building design that can withstand the harsh climate and responds to the distinctive local culture and context. The project is a step toward self administration and having aboriginal peoples administering their own community based policing and health programs. The main lobby and vestibule area will have a decorative floor tile pattern that reflects Innu culture.

The community is policed with extensive consultation and input from community leaders and various consultative groups. RCMP members meet regularly with the Chief & Council and the President of the Innu Nation. A Policing Committee has been established in Sheshatshiu. The committee includes representatives of elders, community leaders, youth, justice workers, social workers, health care workers and the RCMP. The purpose of this committee is to identify and discuss policing concerns and develop mutually agreed upon solutions to policing issues. This committee meets on a monthly basis and has enhanced police/community relations in a positive way.

Restorative Justice is available in the community and RCMP members are encouraged to utilize this program whenever possible. RCMP members play an important role in promoting the program as a viable alternative to the court system. Further education regarding the benefits of this program is needed and members are taking a leading role in educating local residents.

RCMP members in conjunction with Health Canada have established a Crisis Intervention Team in Sheshatshiu with a goal of providing suicide intervention services and providing support to community members in times of crisis.

RCMP members are active in various police/community relations activities. A trained DARE instructor is teaching the DARE program at the school.

Recreation

Sports and athletics are very important to the youth of Sheshatshiu. The community has a modern ice arena and is open to the community year round. Many youth are also involved in sports related activities through the school. Community members travel extensively in Labrador to attend and participate in sporting events.