Sault police top Indigenous competition
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Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officers and civilian staff kept moving for an Indigenous-themed competition hosted by another Northern Ontario police agency.
The municipal force topped Greater Sudbury Police Service’s second annual Truth and Reconciliation Relay.
Participating Sault police members contributed an average of 211.95 hours of physical activity for the relay that ran in October. That’s the most per participant of competing agencies. Options included swimming, running, walking and paddling.
“It’s obviously a very important cause to bring awareness to truth and reconciliation and the recommendations that have come forward,” said spokesperson Lincoln Louttit. He could not confirm how many Sault police department members signed up for the competition.
Sault police staff “took it upon themselves” to read about Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.
“It’s an important part of, not only policing, but just society in general in Canada as we move towards truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous communities and Indigenous partners and peoples,” said Louttit.
Algoma University developed Indigenous cultural training for the police department. Instruction started in fall 2018.
Sault police plan to “prominently” display a paddle featuring artwork by Jessica Somers highlighting its accomplishment at its Second Line East headquarters, said Louttit.
On X: @Saultreporter
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