Just one week after leaving the Prince Albert Police Service, Jason Stonechild started his new job with the FSIN. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Indigenous Policing

Jason Stonechild named FSIN’s new Director of Justice

Dec 15, 2020 | 5:16 PM

Prince Albert’s former deputy police chief has a new job.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive has announced Jason Stonechild as their new Director of Justice and the Special Investigations Unit. Stonechild told paNOW he was very interested in pursuing discussion around self-administered Indigenous police services.

“There are examples across Canada that are extremely successful and examples here in Saskatchewan that are successful and it’s something that really excites me,” he said. “My expertise is obviously a background in policing and with this new position, there’s opportunity for that growth and there’s also support both provincially and federally to solicit change.”

Stonechild, who was previously with the Prince Albert Police Service for 27 years, formally started his new job on Monday.

“I’ve met a couple of my colleagues. They appear to be amazing people and it’s an amazing organization,” he said. “It’s a very exciting transition.”

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For their part, the FSIN appeared equally excited about Stonechild in a statement released to the media on Tuesday.

“With nearly 30 years of experience, Mr. Stonechild will bring experience and fresh perspective on helping First Nations people and our communities in these areas as the Executive Director of FSIN Justice and the Special Investigations Unit,” Vice Chief Dutch Lerat said. “He brings years of experience in the areas of complex investigations, strategic communication, labour management and organizational governance.

In the days following his retirement from the Prince Albert Police Service, Stonechild was applauded by Prince Albert Grand Council for his work on files related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Stonechild also spent many years of working with the CACP National Committee, which is currently working on a National Action Plan for all police in Canada concerning law enforcements’ response to the Calls for Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Calls for Justice concerning Canada’s inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“Jason believes that Justice Reform is part of reconciliation and we are all very excited for him to join the FSIN team,” Lerat said.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell