First Nations Voice

PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 2015 As my first contribution to First Nation Voice, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce and tell the readers a little about myself. My name is Shawn Smith, a newly assigned member to the Indigenous Partnerships Section of the Winnipeg Police Service. I am a member of Cross Lake First Nation where I was raised. While growing up in Cross Lake I was fortunate to have members of my community who were a positive influence on me such my father Robert (Bob) Smith, a local leader, my great-grandmother Ethel McLeod a well-known and respected hunter/trapper, and my great- uncle Ernest McLeod a WWII and Korean War Veteran. It was these people and many more within my community that instilled in me values of respect, courage, kindness, compassion, and a strong work ethic. I have fond memories of hearing life stories from my elders and after reflecting years later, how there was always a lesson to be learned. As I grew older it became apparent that employment opportunities were limited as I'm sure it was in other First Nation/ Metis Communities. I have no shame in saying that just as it was with other families, there were times where my father and mother struggled to support us. It was during these times that we relied on our family and community for support. I was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1999 and after qualifying as a Combat Engineer, I was assigned to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2002 I was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan as part of Canada's contribution to the War on Terrorism. In 2006 I was accepted into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. During my tenure with the RCMP I was assigned to Thompson, Poplar River, and Selkirk Detachments. I was fortunate to work in various First Nation/ Metis communities throughout Manitoba where I formed many positive working relationships and made many friends. In 2012, I applied to the Winnipeg Police Service where I am now a member. I have spent the majority of my time in the North End as a general patrol officer. After having been raised in northern Manitoba with the majority of my policing career also spent in the north, I now call Winnipeg my home. As a member of the Winnipeg Police Service Indigenous Partnerships Section, the position affords me an opportunity to liaise and form partnerships with various Indigenous agencies and stakeholders within the city and province. Our unit also provides education/awareness training, develop and implement indigenous recruitment initiatives, and actively participate in a number of indigenous events and ceremonies. I consider myself very fortunate to be in this position and look forward in continuing to foster positive working relationships now and into the future. This summer and throughout the year I hope that all readers experience that amazing feeling of community, feel like they belong, connect with their identity and feel safe. FRom cRoss lake to the Big city Constable Shawn Smith, Winnipeg Police Service Constable Shawn Smith Winnipeg Police Service 204-783-6958•1-866-317-5361•www.economytextile.com Comeandseeusforallyourceremonial andstarblanketfabrics. Wecarryawideselectionofcolours inbroadclothandmanyindigenousprints. Contactus forpricingon: ShopWipers Micro-fiberCloths DropCloths SalonTowels Napkins happy Birthday to my sister denise (far right) working at the austin street Festival. Denise with co-workers Trevor

• Cover