The Oskayak (meaning “Youth” in the Cree language) Police Academy program has been developed in cooperation and support with community partners representing several urban Indigenous organizations including: the Edmonton Police Service, Metis Child & Family Services Society, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Edmonton Public Schools and Edmonton Catholic Schools. We are all working together to create a safe environment where police members can learn more about working with Indigenous communities, and where youth can learn about policing.
This two week program is geared towards self-identified Indigenous youth between the ages of 14 - 18yrs. The Oskayak Police Academy (OPA) will be working with Metro Continuing Education to offer participants the opportunity to earn up to 3 credits toward their high school education.
The OPA uses 3 simple principles: (1) Engage; (2) Inspire; and (3) Inform, to educate Indigenous youth about policing practices, Indigenous cultural and police protocols, and crime prevention initiatives.
Youth participants will:
• Learn about community and police roles and responsibilities
• Develop and apply healthy relationships, and leadership skills
• Become a youth role model & leader in building safe communities in partnership with police
• Experience traditional cultural teachings