Indigenous youth and GSPS partner up to help build better relationships
The second annual Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki Moose Hunt initiative was launched in Sudbury in June, and wrapped up Friday afternoon.
It’s a mentorship program that aims at building positive relationships between Indigenous youth and the Greater Sudbury Police Service.
Throughout the summer, the youth learned all about traditional Anishnawbek values through the Seven Grandfather Teachings, they had the opportunity to participate in a moose hunt as well as other activities.
“The whole idea is to give them knowledge and hopefully it helps them see that they can do anything they put their mind to and empower them to realize that the unfortunate situation that they’re currently in, is not going to be forever,” said Const. Darrell Rivers, Indigenous liaison officer.
The program is a partnership with Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services, Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services, Kina Gbehzgomi Child and Family Services, Children’s Aid Society, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry just to name a few.
Eight youth within the child welfare agencies participated.
Some of the individuals told CTV News they learned a lot and have a better relationship with the local police officers.
“It was pretty good being part of the moose program. I got a lot of opportunities. When i was little, I never really got the opportunity to practice my culture; but it’s nice that kids in care actually have the opportunity to practice it,” said Brandon, one of the participants.
“I realized not all cops are bad. Before, I didn’t have a good opinion about them but now that I got the opportunity to learn about them.”
Greater Sudbury Police said they are hoping to make this an annual event for years to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.