By Chris Mangatal

Federal, provincial gov’t under fire about lack of policing on First Nations reserves

May 23, 2012 | 7:18 AM

The federal and provincial governments are coming under fire about a lack of policing on First Nations reserves.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation have filed a statement of claim saying a signed agreement involving policing isn't being honoured.

“The conditions were to have two police officers stationed on Beardy's and they were supposed to spend 80 per cent of their time on the first nation, but that never happened,” said former Beardy's and Okemasis chief Rick Gamble.

“In fact, they spent way less time than that over the last several years and that's always been a bone of contention of ours.”

The Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation has borrowed money to build a detachment and two houses for police officers. However, despite the investment, Gamble said the detachment was only used periodically.

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“At one time, we only had one police officer for about a year. Then another one went down with hip surgery and we were out again during that long period of time,” said Gamble.

“As a result, we went and got three of our band members trained as peace keepers. We outfitted them, gave them a vehicle, gave them salary and then we had to let them go because we ran out of money.”

Gamble hopes they can get back to the table for discussions, instead of having to go through the courts.

“What we would hope for is a generic type of agreement, that each first nations can then take and put detail regarding their needs,” said Gamble.

“What works for Beardy's and Okemasis doesn't necessarily work for Fond Du Lac or Waterhen.”

Gamble hopes the three groups can begin a partnership and avoid a “cookie-cutter” approach towards policing.

The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

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