Building Bridges – Empowering a People in a Remote Indigenous Community – 2019-11-05

Pikangikum First Nation is a remote Ojibway community in the Kenora District of Northwestern Ontario. Due to the high number of youth suicides, addictions, and mental health calls for service, the OPP brought the Community Response Unit (CRU) principles to this remote community. Building bridges with community partners and fostering relationships built on trust and respect for cultural beliefs and the safety of the community. The CRU is comprised of police (OPP/Pikangikum FN Police) and local Mental Health workers. Together, this team rose above political and cultural barriers to provide compassionate service around the issues of addiction, mental health and suicide.

Presenters: Sergeant Jennifer Neamtz, Calib Reiger