First Nations leaders are calling on both the federal and provincial governments to provide policing to First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan.

Richard DeRocher, Cree Vice Chief of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council says that the lack of policing means that First Nations have to spend their own money on safety and security measures.

“As the leaders said, they all spend money on security, up to $1.4 million last year in one of the communities. That 1.4. million could build six houses, that 1.4 million could run a youth centre for a couple years, could run a men’s wellness conference, a women’s wellness conference. But instead, we have to use money to keep ourselves safe.”

DeRocher says that the lack of policing and other public services has gotten out of hand exceptionally in the north and adds that he doesn’t believe the government would let these issues happen in other communities.

“Do you think a town in southern Saskatchewan that had over 2000 people in it would be un-policed? It wouldn’t happen. It’s because we’re northern people, it’s because we’re First Nations people that it doesn’t happen. We don’t have the services, we don’t have long-term care facilities, we don’t have medical facilities.”

DeRocher says the RCMP has failed their communities but hopes that the provincial Marshals Service can provide much needed safety and security.

“Mr. Moe and his government, the Saskatchewan Government may have something with the Marshals. Because it looks like the provincial government has lost faith in the RCMP as well, and that’s what’s happening in our northern communities. We’ve lost faith in the RCMP. They do not come to our communities with the heart they need to serve our people.”

The Meadow Lake Tribal Council says that a fast solution to the lack of safety in security is needed in order to prevent more losses in their northern communities. Along with improvements in policing and safety, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council wants more action to be taken with mental health, addictions, and housing.