Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Feb 25/02) - Nunavut sorely lacks Inuit police. But a new, culturally sensitive recruitment program means 15 Inuit will soon enter the RCMP Academy in Regina.

Kipanik Eegeesiak, 19, begins training at the police academy on April 13. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

For years, Inuit struggled with a recruitment process created for Qallunaat, one that seemed to penalize applicants because their first language isn't English.

Just 13 of Nunavut's 104 uniformed officers are Inuit, largely because applicants must pass an aptitude test, in English, which determines their future ability to perform as police officers.

RCMP Insp. Doug Reti, head of the Inuit recruiting and development initiative, said a number of applicants who fail because of the language barrier do well on pure aptitude tests in which language isn't a factor.

He said the RCMP need Inuktitut-speaking Inuit officers who understand the cultural intricacies in Nunavut.

"But if you look at our selection process, we don't seem to place any value on that," he said.

With the new program, the aptitude test is still administered in English because the test can't simply be translated and applicants must show some proficiency in English.

"But with this specific program, we look at the whole individual, see what kind of abilities and skills they come with and make an assessment after that," said Reti.

This change means 15 of 35 Inuit applicants recently survived the entire recruitment process, which includes more than just the aptitude test, and will attend the Police Academy in Regina. If needed, they'll upgrade their English and academic skills when they return. A mentorship program will further support the 15 recruits when they enter the force. "We want detachments to take ownership, help them along and make sure they are successful."

Reti said having more Inuit officers is about simple, fundamental issues -- community trust, communication and safety. Police officers have to communicate with a majority Inuit population in Nunavut, often in emergency situations. "We might miss out on some crucial information that would keep them safe and us safe. It's an officer and community safety issue."

Inuit applicants are also familiar with the specific problems they'll face in Nunavut communities. "They come with a lot of qualities we like in a police officer. It's a bit different than taking a police officer from suburban Ottawa, for example," he said.

"This isn't a matter of meeting some quota."

Psychological factors

The RCMP is also going a step further by hiring an industry psychologist to research what qualities the public wants Nunavut's police officers to have. The psychologist will then ask police officers what qualities are necessary for policing.

"The psychologist will meld those two things, look at our selection processes and determine if they meet those needs. At the end of the day, we want our selection processes to support the type of people we want," said Reti.

Michael Salomonie of Cape Dorset is among the new recruits. "To have that presence in the community is important," he said. "It makes a big difference, it boosts morale."

He knows his community isn't immune to social problems, but "hopefully, my contribution as a member will have an impact on the kids."