Ten Assiniboine graduates to join ranks of Manitoba First Nations Police Force

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. (April 19, 2024)— The Manitoba Public Safety Institute at Assiniboine College, in partnership with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNP), celebrated 10 new First Nations Police Officers at their graduation event on Friday in Southport.

These graduates are part of the first intake of police (post hired) training recruit students in the Assiniboine partnership with MFNP, with the new program representing another significant milestone in the growth of Public Safety Training at Assiniboine.

The successful completion of the program was confirmed by Manitoba Justice, which has endorsed the curriculum, ensuring that graduates meet the criteria for police officer appointment with Manitoba First Nations Police.

“I’d like to congratulate the graduating class for completing the comprehensive training at Assiniboine College, which will equip them with the tools they need to excel on the job. Our government is proud to support the expansion of First Nations policing as part of a commitment to reconciliation and fostering nation-to-nation relationships. We will continue to support the exceptional work officers do day in and day out to keep their communities safe.” said Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice for the Province of Manitoba.

In response to the growing demand for trained police officers within First Nations communities, Manitoba First Nations Police partnered with Assiniboine to deliver a comprehensive recruit training program. Leveraging the college’s expertise in public safety training, Assiniboine adapted its current curriculum to meet the specific needs of First Nations policing.

“As part of the curriculum the students take a Cultural Diversity Communications course, which is focused primarily on Indigenous awareness and knowledge building. This recruit class also had several visits and presentations from Knowledge Keepers from various First Nation communities that the MFNP serves,” said Jack Ewatski, Academic Chair of Public Safety at Assiniboine. “The training is comprehensive and the first of its kind for Assiniboine. Graduates of this program can enter the policing world as full-fledged peace officers ready for deployment to their respective communities.”

The program, which started in October of 2023 at Assiniboine’s Southport site, welcomed students with a range of prior experience. Participants underwent rigorous training in various operational skills, including Firearms, Use of Force, and Police Vehicle Operations. Participants were guided by Constable Sean Fisher, a current member of the Brandon Police Service, and Corporal Derek Smoke from the Manitoba First Nations Police.

"We are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our graduates," said Constable Sean Fisher, lead instructor of the program. "Their commitment to serving and protecting their communities is truly commendable, and we have no doubt that they will make invaluable contributions to the Manitoba First Nations Police force.”

Maxim Beaulieu was the valedictorian of the class. “I was inspired to enter policing from family members and former colleagues who were in law enforcement. The most significant experience in this program so far has been the team building and ability to overcome challenges that we faced,” said Beaulieu. “I envision contributing a positive change to the communities I serve by engaging with the youth and getting involved in the community.”

Following their graduation, the newly minted MFNP constables will be assigned to various MFNP detachments, where they will begin their careers as frontline officers.

About Assiniboine Community College
Assiniboine College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market.

Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse. Assiniboine offers more than 75 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 92 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:
Shaun Cameron                                                       Jack Ewatski
Communications Specialist                                     Chair, Public Safety
Assiniboine College                                                 Assiniboine College
204-725-8700 ext. 6617                                          204.596.8817
camerons2@assiniboine.net                                  ewatskij@assiniboine.ne