OTTAWA, June 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde yesterday addressed police leaders from across Canada at the "Moving Forward, Safe Futures" Conference hosted by The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in Winnipeg, calling for immediate and collaborative efforts to ensure safety and security for First Nations wherever they reside and to use the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guide to reconciliation.
"I am encouraged that the delegates present were all people who have the power to make positive, progressive change," AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde told the gathering of more than 200 police leaders from across the country. "We must commit to real change now by identifying and understanding the flawed systems and systemic problems that hold us back so we can improve and succeed. Together we can achieve police and justice systems and support community safety plans that work for Indigenous people and communities. We can move towards a justice system that is restorative instead of punitive, with the ultimate goal of a First Nations justice system."
The "Moving Forward Safer Future" Conference took place May 31 and June 1 in Winnipeg and provided inclusive dialogue among police, policy makers and Aboriginal peoples.
Established in 1905, The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Association is dedicated to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada. It represents approximately 1,000 police leaders from across Canada, which includes federal, First Nations, provincial, regional and municipal, transportation and military police.
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]
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