An on-reserve police service presents with many challenges, including funding, staffing, and retention. The First Nation members themselves face particular challenges as well as non-challenges. Non-First Nation officers have their own unique challenges, as well as the “culture shock” that accompanies policing a First Nation area. Our presenters will touch on all of these issues based on their own policing experience.
Speakers: Police Chief Grant Buckskin and Inspector Rayan Najjar
Moderator: Violet Meekma
Grant Buckskin is Interim Chief of Police with the Blood Tribe Police Service, a position he has held since September, 2022. He is a member of the Blood Tribe and started his career with the Police Service in 1990. After 7 1/2 years, he left to serve with other police services in Central and Northern Alberta as well as Manitoba, before returning to the Blood Reserve in 2007 where he has since remained.
Over the course of this extensive policing career, Chief Buckskin has served in many positions in the Community Policing Division and Crime Reduction Units. He is proud today to be leading the sworn members of the Blood Tribe Police Service.
Rayan was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Canada in 1991 with his family at the age of six. He and his family lived in Olds and Milk River before settling in Lethbridge in 1997. Rayan graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) in 2002 and from the Lethbridge College Criminal Justice - Policing program in 2007. Rayan started his policing career with Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) shortly after graduation and has been with BTPS for 16 years. Rayan was in General Patrols, Criminal Investigation Unit, and General Investigation Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2017 and to Acting Inspector in 2021. Rayan is currently the Inspector in charge of the Administration Support Division which oversees policy/procedure, training, recruiting, human resources, and professional standards.
Date/time: Thursday March 16, 2023. Presentation begins at 12 & concludes at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free, but donations are gratefully accepted
Location**:** Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Dining Room, 500-11 Street S, Lethbridge, AB
Lunch & Refreshments: The Atrium Dining Room will be available by 11:15 am. Please arrive early before the start of the Presentation to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good value food options.