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
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.