(submitted photo/PAPS)

By paNOW Staff

PAPS celebrates women leaders for International Women’s Day

Mar 8, 2023 | 12:49 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service’s Women’s Commission has a new logo and challenge coin to recognize the organization’s diversity, inclusion, partnership and reconciliation efforts.

The coin, being launched today in recognition of International Women’s Day, is meant to honour the work of women around the world to raise awareness about discrimination and promote gender equity and inclusion. Coins such as these are often collected by those in policing and military groups. They represent significant achievements and are shared between agencies as a sign of rapport.

The PAPS Women’s Commission advises Chief of Police Jonathan Bergen to promote truth and reconciliation initiatives, culturally appropriate learning opportunities and foster positive community relationships. The newest challenge coin reflects the priorities of PAPS Women’s Commission. It depicts the PAPS crest with images of a spruce tree, wheat sheaf and the river for which Prince Albert is known.

The golden, copper hue of the coin represents women’s medicine according to Indigenous tradition.

“This new coin tells the story of our Women’s Commission and our wishes for our community,” said PAPS Elder Liz Settee, co-chair of the Women’s Commission. “We are working with our police service to support wellness and encourage partnerships with groups and organizations that help balance the needs of our community with public safety.”

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Chaplain Nora Vedress, the co-chair of the Women’s Commission, said the coin will be distributed to various partners and groups in the community. Many of the groups support vulnerable individuals in Prince Albert.

“Connection and belonging are important in a healthy society,” Vedress said. “The challenge coin will unite us inour efforts to support those looking for connection so they can begin to heal from trauma and pain, and help our police service promote safety through collaboration and partnership.”

“The values that the PAPS Women’s Commission hold are reflected in those who will be gifted our one-of-a-kind newchallenge coins,” added Erin Parenteau, Indigenous Resource Officer with the Prince Albert Police Service and a member of our Women’s Commission.