From K9 units to traffic tickets, this past week the Calgary Police Service (CPS) gave Indigenous youth the opportunity to show what they’re made of.

August 2, 2024 marked the graduation day for the first-ever CPS Indigenous Junior Police Academy (IJPA) program, which ran from July 29. More than 20 Indigenous graduates between the ages of 12 and 16 were given certificates and feathers for the First Nations and sashes for the Métis.

“As dark as the past has been, it’s important to acknowledge those misgivings so that we can create a better future for those who come after us,” said acting deputy chief Asif Rashid.

The program was a collaborative effort between CPS and the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, which provided the funding for the project. The heft of the logistical work has been done since November of 2023 by CPS community and youth strategist, Jodi Jimenez.

“I have to admit that when Jodi approached me several months ago with the idea about this academy, I was a little bit suspect that she and the team could deliver on such an ambitious plan. But deliver they have,” said Rashid.

Throughout the week the 22 graduates were shown the different divisions of CPS including HAWCS helicopters, the canine unit, the mounted unit, tactical team, drill, dress and deportment, and fitness among others.

“Sometimes there hasn’t been a lot of trust between Indigenous youth and the Calgary police, so to get them into a program like this breaks down so many barriers,” said Sherry Elliot of the CPS Indigenous Relations Team.

Six officers volunteered to facilitate the program and teach the youth about CPS. All of the officers were Indigenous.

“Just being able to show that there’s a whole bunch of Indigenous members in the Calgary Police Service, and just giving the kids a chance to see where they’re at and hopefully down the road they can become one of us,” said Sergeant Ryan Huggan of CPS.

Families submitted applications to the program through CPS media channels resulting in 22 of the 24 slots being filled.

“I have always been interested in a military or police career, so when my mom told me about it I said I was totally interested. I absolutely loved this program. It was great. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested,” said 13-year-old graduate Ambrose Lee.

Sgt. Huggan said the hope for future years of the IJPA is that it will be an easy transition into the CPS cadet program if the graduates choose to pursue further police education.

“I’m really hoping that we’re gonna be able to continue on with it in the years to come,” Huggan said.

Significance of the sash and feather

The Métis sash and eagle feathers were chosen for the graduation because of their cultural relevance to their respective cultures.

“Today the sash symbolizes pride and nationhood for Métis people and it is an honour bestowed upon members of the community who have made cultural, political or social contributions to their people,” said Elliot.

According to the Métis Nation of Alberta, the sash was originally used by voyageurs of the fur trade for multiple functions like a belt, tumpline, towel, and even sewing kit. Being passed down to their Métis sons and daughters the sash is now synonymous with Métis culture.

“To be given an eagle feather is the highest honor that can be awarded within First Nations culture,” said Elliot.

As of 2013, Alberta is home to 13 per cent of the total registered Indian status population in Canada, according to the Federal government.

“When holding the eagle feather one must speak the truth as positively as one can for the ear of the creator is close to the feather,” said Elliot

Alberta alone has 45 of the First Nations with the more commonly spoken languages being Blackfoot, Cree, Chipewyan, Dene, Sarcee, and Stoney (Nakoda Sioux).

“We acknowledge that we still have much work to do, and today is a testament to the work that we are progressing with,” said Rashid.

CPS plans on hosting this program annually with the success of this year’s IJPA.

“I do plan on coming back from university and having a career with the CPS and specifically I plan to join the Public Service Unit,” said Lee.