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RCMP to create aboriginal advisory committee

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 07/06) - The RCMP's commanding officer in the NWT is planning to create an aboriginal advisory committee by this fall.

"The purpose is to ensure that issues concerning aboriginal members and communities are addressed in a culturally-sensitive way," said Chief Supt. Pat McCloskey, adding such committees are common in the south.

"I feel it will mean improved communication with aboriginal communities."

Among the issues the committee will deal with are enforcement issues in communities, and helping to ensure any concerns of aboriginal officers are heard. It is also hoped the move will help the force recruit aboriginal people.

McCloskey said the nine-member Commanding Officer's Aboriginal Advisory Committee will meet twice a year in different locations around the NWT.

This month, he will send out letters to various First Nations groups and governments requesting nominees for the committee.

"We're looking at getting a balance throughout the NWT," he said, adding the committee will include at least one elder and one youth.

"The important thing we want to ensure is the committee has credibility," McCloskey said, noting members will serve for two years.

Anyone sitting on the committee would have to pass a security check.