(THUNDER BAY, ON) – As a result of a Band Council Resolution (BCR) from the Chief and Council, all Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members have withdrawn from the Pikangikum First Nation. The ten OPP members returned to their home locations on Friday, March 19, 2021.
Due to allegations of misconduct involving OPP members, the OPP has proactively contacted Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP cannot co mment on those allegations.
Any decision as to whether OPP members return to support community safety in Pikangikum ultimately rests with the Chief and Band Council. In the meantime, Pikangikum Police and First Nations Peacekeepers will be responsible for policing and community safety services until further notice.
Pikangikum First Nation is policed under the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement (OFNPA) by First Nations constables employed by the community and supported by the OPP. The OFNPA is a tri-partite policing agreement between the signatory communities, the Federal Government and the Provincial Government. The OPP administers the OFNPA, on behalf of the signatories of the agreement.
The OPP has a history of supportive, respectful and positive presence in Pikangikum, including wholehearted support and advocating for stand-alone Indigenous policing services for Indigenous communities. Allegations against our members are taken seriously, and the safety and security of all Ontarians remains our priority.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
