OTTAWA—The RCMP needs to work in partnership with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples in order to improve relations between the force and the country’s indigenous communities, commissioner Bob Paulson says.
Paulson, whose organization has long been the object of scorn from aboriginal Canadians who feel unfairly treated, delivered that message directly to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) annual meeting on Tuesday, July 12, in Niagara Falls, Ont.
The two sides have developed a joint protocol that spells out the force’s goals of working to ensure indigenous people in Canada are safe, to address diverse needs of communities, and to strengthen mutual respect, Paulson said.
“I’m aware this protocol is simply words on paper, and words alone will not improve things,” he said.
“I’m here today to pledge we will put actions to these words so we can continue the healing, continue the building, and improve these vital relationships in every way possible.”
