‘Oskayak’ is the Cree word for ‘youth,’ and the Oskayak Police Academy is focused on providing a safe, culturally-inclusive space for Aboriginal youth and EPS officers to communicate, challenge stereotypes, and learn together.
“We want to build trusting relationships between youth and police that will carry on in the future,” says Andrea Levey, EPS Aboriginal Relations Coordinator. “These positive relationships will help youth feel more connected to their community, reduce the potential for criminal or gang behaviour, and inspire a new generation of leaders.”
Approximately 37 youth, ages 14 to 18 years, will be participating in the Oskayak Police Academy from July 6 to 17, 2015. Participants will undergo training in: leadership development and problem solving; attend educational sessions and traditional cultural activities with diverse speakers and Elders; assist with community outreach in the downtown core; and experience what it is like to be a police recruit. Upon completion, participants will attend a graduation ceremony and dinner featuring special guests and speakers.
The Oskayak Police Academy was modelled after the highly-successful EPS Youth and Citizen Police Academies, and originally ran as a pilot project in 2014. For 2015, youth participating in the Oskayak Academy will be able to earn credits towards their high school diploma through Metro Continuing Education.
The Academy is a community-led initiative developed in partnership with: Amiskwaciy Academy; the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society; the Ben Calf Robe Society; Métis Child and Family Services; the Boyle Street Education Centre; Edmonton Public Schools; Metro Continuing Education; and REACH Edmonton.
Edmonton has the second largest urban Aboriginal population in Canada, and approximately 50 per cent of this population is under 25 years of age. For more information on the EPS Aboriginal Relations Unit, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/aboriginalrelations.
