Fourteen people from Mi'gmaq communities became part of the inaugural cohort of Mi'gmaq Peacekeeping, Inc., an advocacy group that represents eight Mi'kmaw communities.
MI'GMAG'I, N.B.-In December, fourteen people from Mi'kmaw communities across New Brunswick became part of the inaugural cohort of Mi'gmaq Peacekeeping, Inc., an advocacy group that represents eight Mi'kmaw communities. They are now serving seven Mi'kmaw communities across New Brunswick, with the goal of providing an alternative to enforcement-based and conventional policing methods.
"This is a huge milestone for these individuals and our communities," said Chief George Ginnish, co-chair of MTI and chief of Natoaganeg. "Having someone in the community we can turn to, who understands the issues and has the appropriate training, will have a huge impact on the safety and well-being of our communities."
The seven-week program, facilitated by the New Brunswick Community College system, was developed to center on justice and community safety, guided by Mi'gmaq laws, Indigenous knowledge, and reports developed by community experts. Through in-class learning and practical sessions, the training focused on effective communication skills, de-escalation and conflict management, an understanding of criminal law, defensive tactics and conflict resolution models.
Peacekeepers will have knowledge of available community support like addictions counseling, mental wellness teams, elders and cultural services to help guide people to healing as opposed to having them arrested.
CBC News reports that one of the program graduates, Tristan Sock, is already on the job in L'nui Menuikuk, Indian Island First Nation. Sock, who is originally from Elsipogtog First Nation but has lived in L›nui Menuikuk for 12 years, told CBC reporters, "In my experience as soon as I start speaking Mi'kmaw to people that actually understand it, their demeanour changes. It could be an escalated situation and after talking to me in Mi'kmaw, it could bring it down almost instantly."
"I'm doing this job for my children and community members," said Sock. "We are not just peacekeepers. We are friends, family, cousins, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunties. We are the ones that will show up first; we are there to help our communities feel safe."
