Andrew Beynon and Richard discuss the upcoming (April 28th) National Online Conversation on Enforcement of Indigenous Government Laws 2021:First Nation Policing Program & Policy Update. (This episode was recorded one day before the online session.)
The online conversation will include Public Safety Canada and the RCMP providing an update on First Nation policing, including updates on Minister Bill Blair's mandate commitment to co-develop a legislative framework that will ensure that police services better reflect the communities they serve. In addition, this session will explore recent First Nation experiences with innovations in policing.
show notes:
1:23 Richard provides a reminder of two previous Covid and legal podcasts featuring Andrew Beynon (Episode 3 and Episode 4 - December 2020)
2:15 Andrew talks about why talking about the Policing Program and Policy update was important and the issue of underenforcement or gaps in indigenous laws and how the "National Online Conversation" came to be.
3:40 Andrew summarizes the National Online Conversation events that occurred in 2020 and the content can still be accessed at www.indigenousenforcement.com - topics such as matrimonial property laws, COVID-19 laws, practical guidance for law enforcement, and broad level discussion on Indigenous justice (ft. UBC Chancellor Steven Lewis Point).
5:06 Richard and Andrew talk about the difficulty of enforcing laws and the common theme across Canada - the legacy of underenforcement of laws under the Indian Act (bylaws) on First Nations the progress made and the reality that enforcement of laws will always be an ongoing issue for First Nation Governments.
8:16 Andrew explains who this National Online Conversation event is made for people who work in the area of law enforcement, but also federal, provincial/territorial government officials, and has invited a decorated panel of representatives who have operated policing in First Nation communities.
11:03 Andrew explains further that this conversation is practical in nature, not academic, and the focus is on what are the things that are based on experience that First Nations would like to think about.
12:05 Andrew reiterates that for those who are unable to attend the online event in person to visit the dedicated website www.indigenousenforcement.com and todays session will be recorded and uploaded there, in addition to the monthly sessions coming up.
13:05 Andrew shares the best place to get in touch for more information on this topic is to follow the RC website www.labrc.com and him personally via email at andrew.beynon@labrc.com
13:36 Andrew adds information about the upcoming National Online Conversations: May will feature Saskatchewan pilot project on enforcement of First Nation laws and further interesting conversations in June, July and throughout the year.