Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 26/00) - RCMP have put their commitment to fair treatment for aboriginal peoples in the North in writing.

The document outlines policing commitments to promote history and culture, restorative justice, healthy youth development, employment and encourages consultation and dialogue was unveiled Tuesday.

The formal adoption of the commitment to aboriginal people was timed to take place the day before National Aboriginal Day, which allowed a number of government and aboriginal dignitaries to attend. A pancake breakfast at the Yellowknife RCMP detachment mess hall, attended by about 80 people, was also held.

Cpl. Cliff McKay organized the event and created the plaque.

"As an aboriginal person, I believe it shows that the RCMP are truly committed to working with aboriginal people and as a police force as well," he said. "We can't solve all the problems. It takes a partnership to work together."

The unveiling also comes at a time when negative relationships between RCMP and aboriginal communities in the south are receiving media attention.

McKay said it is important that aboriginal leaders recognize the honesty and sincerity of the G Division's commitment.

Such leaders included justice minister Jim Antoine, Dene Nation National Chief Bill Erasmus, house speaker Tony Whitford, Metis Nation president George Morin, NWT commissioner Glenna Hansen, Tree of Peace president Tom Eagle and Yellowknives Dene chief Peter Liske.

The document grew out of discussion within the Yellowknife detachment and spread to all Northern detachments when RCMP began to discuss what the important issues are and what is expected of police in the communities.

"We wanted to show them we are committed to working with them," McKay said about the unprecedented measure taken in the North. "When you are prepared to put something in writing it speaks volumes."

It is written in six of the official languages in the North.