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Band councillors Gerald McKay, Alvin Moostoos and Justin Burns with representatives from the Marshalls Service. (Image Credit: Submitted photo.)
Policing

JSCN and Sask. Marshalls sign new safety agreement

Apr 9, 2026 | 9:53 AM

A new Band Council Resolution (BCR) signed by James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) paves the way for a new partnership with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS)

Going forward, SMS will collaborate with the RCMP, who is the police of jurisdiction for JSCN, to focus on the SMS mandate of apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and addressing other criminal activity priorities facing the community.

Chief Kirby Constant told paNOW that the BCR regarding the Marshals does not replace or interfere with the long term goal of Indigenous policing.

“Indigenous-led policing models are still a few years away as those discussions and negotiations continue at the federal and provincial levels. In the meantime, this partnership serves as an interim measure to help address immediate safety concerns in our community,” he said.

 Kirby added their role is very specific, focusing mainly on apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and supporting the existing police of jurisdiction, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

 “This simply adds another layer of support while we continue advocating for a future Indigenous policing model that reflects our culture, our laws and our vision for community safety.”

SMS has also received supportive BCRs from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, One Arrow First Nation and English River First Nation, and it is anticipated that an additional 15 BCRs will be adopted by First Nations by the end of June 2026. 

“This relationship represents another meaningful step forward in building trust, collaboration and culturally-informed policing in Saskatchewan as we work together to make our communities safer,” Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said.

A key focus of the BCR is to support culturally-responsive policing and increase the recruitment of Indigenous persons into the SMS, ensuring the service reflects and represents the communities it serves.

This includes reducing barriers to recruitment and creating pathways for Indigenous candidates to join the service.

“Today is a great day as we continue to engage with the communities we serve and the police of jurisdictions operating in those communities,” Chief Marshal Robert Cameron said. “We are committed to engaging with all First Nations across Saskatchewan to enhance public safety and ensure the Saskatchewan Marshals Service continues to meet the needs of the communities and residents we have the privilege of working with.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell