Honouring Indigenous Elders

The Toronto Police Service is committed to seeking Elders’ and Knowledge Keepers’ voices and experiences as the organization works to co-develop solutions and initiatives focused on outcomes that are most important to First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities in Toronto.

“Through their tireless efforts, they ensure that the wisdom of their ancestors is not lost, but rather is passed down to future generations,” said Chief Myron Demkiw at the Service’s Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit National Indigenous People’s Day event on June 17. “Their extraordinary resilience in the face of immense challenges, including the painful legacies of colonialism, the residential school system and intergenerational trauma, is a testament to their strength and spirit.”

This year’s theme is ‘Honouring Our Elders.’

Demkiw noted that it resonates deeply because it underscores the invaluable role they play.

“They are the bearers of knowledge, living bridges to the past, the keepers of stories, traditions and languages,” he said. “They provide care and guidance, often at a significant personal cost, ensuring that the cultural tapestry of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people remain vibrant and intact. We owe a debt of gratitude to our Elders for their unwavering dedication. They have endured so much, yet they continue to give so much.

“They teach us about strength and the importance of staying true to who we are. They remind us that despite the hardships of the past, there is hope for the future.  Their stories are not just tales of survival, but of thriving, of finding ways to flourish against all odds. By ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized, we honour both the individuals and their rich cultural heritage.”

Demkiw acknowledged Aboriginal Community Consultative Committee Co-Chair Frances Sanderson for her wisdom, guidance and ongoing commitment to helping the Toronto Police Service enhance its service delivery and its engagements with Indigenous peoples.

“You have been an incredible bridge between the Service and the community and we are better because of you,” he told her.

The event took place at the Native Canadian Centre of Canada.

“We have gathered today in a space that belongs to the community, reminding us that police and the public must be equal partners in our quest for true community safety,” said Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) Chair Ann Morgan. “We know that this has not always been an easy relationship and we must continuously work to foster trust and respect. We also acknowledge that the history of our country includes many dark periods for members of our Indigenous communities which we are now addressing through a comprehensive process of reconciliation.”

She said addressing past harms is critical to the healing process.

“We need to commit an ongoing critical examination of our treatment of Indigenous people both historically and, in current times, as we forge a collective path forward, a path founded in dialogue and true mutual respect,” Morgan noted. “In acknowledging this painful past, we must recognize too that true reconciliation requires us to acknowledge that the trauma is ongoing, that this was a reality for far too many and that discrimination persists even today with an impact that is far-reaching and significant.”

Like the Chief, the Chair also thanked Sanderson and the other Elders for the vital role they play in the passing of knowledge and culture to the next generation and for their inspirational guidance, resilience and compassion.

“We recognize that for many of these incredible people, the pain is real and deep,” Morgan added. “They have personally felt and continue to feel the extraordinary impact of colonialism and the residential school system along with constant reverberations of intergenerational trauma. But in spite of the horrors they have seen and lived, they have been instrumental in building a future of hope.

“We look to them to ensure we never repeat our tragic past. We look to them to learn how to meaningfully appreciate and respect the earth and all living things. We look to them as models of grace, resilience and leadership and we commit to actively ensuring that their voices and experience are incorporated into the Board’s ongoing work.”

Kaitlyn Chapman, the TPSB new Indigenous Engagement Advisor, attended the event.

Morgan said she will play a critical role in outreach and community engagement with diverse Indigenous nations and their communities as a vital part of the Board’s responsibility to foster meaningful relationships and engagement.

Canadians celebrate National Indigenous People Day on June 21 to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

“This day is an annual reminder to people across Canada of the unique character, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people,” Sanderson said. “It is an opportunity to all individuals to learn more about Indigenous history.”

Grade 10 student Theo Babiwash thanked the Indigenous Elders for the knowledge they are sharing with young people.

“You only know what you see and hear,” he said.

The All Nations and Spirit Drummers took part inthe event, while Knowledge Keeper Kira Vallen delivered the opening blessing.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue did the land acknowledgment.

Constable Richard Warman of the Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit was the Master of Ceremony.