INUVIK
A new cooperation protocol between the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and RCMP aims to establish a trusting and reciprocal relationship between the two organizations.

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation President Duane Smith, left, and Superintendent Commanding Officer of G Division Jamie Zettler signed a public safety cooperation protocol between the two organizations Monday, Jan. 30. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"Over the years, the RCMP has developed important relationships with the IRC and has really expanded on communication and building the relationship," said Jamie Zettler, superintendent commanding officer for G Division, at a signing ceremony Monday, Jan. 30.

"This is going to formalize that process."

The public safety cooperation protocol will take effect immediately and be in place for three years, with a review after the first year.

The protocol aims to guide the two organizations in resolving disputes and preventing community crises at the earliest opportunities.

It also outlines strategies for supporting public safety in Inuvialuit Settlement Region communities, including an understanding of each organization's roles and responsibilities, a conflict and crisis management process and greater sharing of knowledge and communication.

"One thing I certainly know from my policing experience is . we're going to make mistakes, and as we come across instances, having that communication with our partners allows us to get beyond those mistakes and improve so we don't continue to make those mistakes," said Zettler.

"Not everything is always going to go the way everybody wants it to go, but really understanding each other's perspectives and having that knowledge and relationship be supported start(s) breaking down those barriers and making sure that moving forward, the same mistakes aren't being made over and over again."

Duane Smith, president of the IRC, said the Inuvialuit have always been supportive of the essential services that the RCMP provide. It's also important to have a strong, communicative relationship between the two parties, he said.

"We've probably got at least couple of dozen Inuvialuit beneficiaries who have served with our RCMP, so there's been very strong historical support for people toward the intent and the mandate of the RMCP," said Smith.

His own grandfather and brother served with the RCMP, he added, "so it touches home with me as well."

Smith said he is supportive of the protocol.