Cruiser bearing Indigenous art act of reconciliation: police chief

The Winnipeg Police Service has unveiled a new cruiser car emblazoned with Indigenous art that’s meant to foster reconciliation.

The cruiser will be used by community relations officers at events such as parades, powwows and other gatherings, said police Chief Gene Bowers.

“Reconciliation requires action — this cruiser will be used to create spaces to share, listen and learn,” said Bowers.

The art depicts the animals that represent the seven sacred teachings — love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth — as well as an Inuit kayak and ulu knife. It was designed by Brian Hunter, a Métis member of the force who is also an artist.

Hunter said he wanted to create images that would capture the imagination of his two sons and get them excited about Indigenous knowledge and teachings.

An Indigenous leader in the police service envisioned making such a cruiser and the police executive’s Indigenous working group partnered with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs on the idea and design, said Bowers.

“This is a symbol of the work and collaboration that we will see between First Nations leadership here in Manitoba with the Winnipeg Police Service, and how we can further support the need within our community, to make sure our communities are safe and to make sure that people recognize that they are represented in every space within the city,” assembly Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said.

Wilson, who said that Bowers recently attended a sun dance ceremony that she took part in, gifted the police chief a beaded ribbon shirt and a pair of moccasins at the announcement.

Police plan to add two more cruisers, bearing Indigenous designs, to the community relations unit.

Bowers described the initiative as a “meaningful step forward in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation.”

“We believe (the cruisers) will serve as a powerful symbol of collaboration and partnership between our service and Indigenous communities,” said Bowers.

Police announced last week that crime victims and witnesses, and officers affirming oaths, would be able to use an eagle feather to make sworn statements.

The Indigenous working group is developing a number of other initiatives, with community leaders, meant to foster relationships with Indigenous people, Bowers said.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca