Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, Elder Jacob Sanderson, Police Chief Jon Bergen and Deputy Chief Jason Stonechild at a ceremony Tuesday to announce Elder Sanderson's new role with the service. (submitted photo/PAPS)

By Teena Monteleone

Local Elder assists police

Well-known elder to advise and mentor police service

May 23, 2019 | 12:06 PM

Elder Jacob Sanderson has acted as spiritual advisor with the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, and worked with spiritual leaders are the world. Now, he’ll advise and guide local police officers and staff as they work to promote reconciliation and understanding within the police service and the community.

“We were fortunate to have him come and meet our NCO’s (non commissioned officers) and I learned quickly that his message and teachings were in line with the core values of the police service,” Prince Albert Police Chief John Bergen said. “It was clear he would connect the community and police service and continue building that bridge of understanding.”

While Elder Sanderson will provide insight on what’s happening in the community and provide teachings to promote understanding and education, he will also help officers and community members who suffer difficult situations to manage stress and work through their emotions. Deputy Chief Jason Stonechild presented Sanderson with a beaded medallion during a short ceremony Tuesday, saying it represents a proud connection to the Prince Albert Police Service.

“When Elder Sanderson wears the medallion, it symbolizes his role as a teacher and mentor to our service, he has adopted our service as part of his family,” Stonechild said.

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Sanderson, who is from the James Smith Cree Nation, said it is important for the First Nation community to have a positive relationship with police and he looks forward to guiding the police service in a peaceful and respectful way.

“We do fully acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis,” Chief Bergen said. “We are committed to paying our respects to First Nations and Métis ancestors of this region as we reaffirm our relationship with one another, which will be better achieved with the ongoing support and guidance of our Elder.”

Sanderson replaces Elder Julie Pitzel who had worked with the police service for several years but left to continue working alongside former Chief of Police Troy Cooper, who is now at the head of the Saskatoon Police Service.

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teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TeenaMonteleone