Police officers work with Indigenous youth to identify Black Rapids and Dow's Lake Monday Friendships".
The 21st Fleet for Friendship connects police volunteers with youth participating in programs at Indigenous service providers. They aim to foster mutual respect by "learning to rely on each other, taking the time to talk, and casually learning about each other's cultures."
Ottawa Police Officer Lisa Beaucage said at an event hosted by Linda Kitchkisic Juden and Sheldon McGregor, "A lot of it is about building relationships.
} "Many indigenous youth do not interact with the police, and the police do not have much interaction or understanding with indigenous youth. So we allow conversations to occur that would not occur naturally."
"You'll meet a lot of good people, a lot of good friends, a lot of conversations that will start," says Sam Cochran, a third-time participant on the fleet.
Young rowers participate in programs at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Wavano Aboriginal Health Centre, Minwa Singh Lodge and Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre.
Meanwhile, officers were invited from Ottawa, Gatineau, Kittigan Gibi, Akwesasune Police, RCMP, Ontario and Quebec Police.
- with files by Tony Caldwell
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