Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service launches initiatives to address MMIWG crisis, boost community safety

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service has purchased a new Wagoneer community services vehicle adorned with special artwork.

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) announced the launch of two new initiatives aimed at addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and enhancing community safety. The projects are funded through the Government of Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemoration Fund.

The initiatives include the hiring of three permanent positions dedicated to addressing the MMIWG crisis within the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and the introduction of a new Wagoneer community services vehicle. The vehicle features artwork honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls as well as the “Every Child Matters” banner and themes of Truth and Reconciliation.

“We deeply respect families affected by these issues in Wiikwemkoong,” said WTPS staff Sgt. Tammy Duffy, in a news release.

“We are dedicated to using this platform for education and awareness wherever we go – the violence against our women and children must end.”

The announcement comes as WTPS has reported a significant increase in police occurrences in the community. Data shows a 111% rise in domestic violence cases compared to January 2024, while overall police occurrences have increased by 24.6% in the past year.

Chief Ron Gignac said the challenges faced by the community include domestic violence, trauma, exploitation, addictions and human trafficking.

“As a force for good, we hope to educate and support those impacted by this crisis,” he said.

“WTPS is committed to playing a role in meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.”

The new staff and vehicle will support a range of activities, including MMIWG investigative presentations, community events, recruiting drives and school visits on Manitoulin Island and beyond.

The police authority described the new vehicle as a “beacon of recognition” intended to raise awareness and foster community engagement.

“One of our strategic goals is to enrich the lives of our community members, prevent crime, and to prevent our citizens of all ages from becoming victims,” said WTPS.

“It takes full community engagement, mobilization and involvement with our many combined forces partners.”

WTPS highlighted its collaborative and “dynamic” efforts with the UCCM Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police to achieve their goals.

Further details about the three newly funded positions will be shared in the coming weeks, according to WPTS.

“We recognize and honour our community’s families, and those who have been touched by what our vehicle recognizes,” WTPS stated in a social media post advising they had taken delivery of the new vehicle which has since joined the service’s fleet.

Both initiatives align with the fund’s goal of supporting projects that honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls while raising awareness about critical issues.

“As the police service for the Wiikwemkoong unceded Territory, we recognize and appreciate the support and fulsome engagement from Chief Ominika and our band council in our quest to enhance community safety and security on all fronts,” said WTPS officials.