Saskatoon launches Indigenous peacekeepers pilot project

Saskatoon’s Indigenous peacekeepers pilot project launches this week in an effort to reduce crime, collect data and build relationships in the city.

The city said its support teams are already out working in pairs, focused on the downtown and Riversdale areas, including Pleasant Hill.

Full shifts for the teams will begin at the end of this week.

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“The move comes after the City Administration had been in discussions with the Saskatoon Tribal Council to develop the Indigenous peacekeeper pilot project but had to pause planning,” the city explained in a statement.

“However, because of the urgency for additional support, the Administration created an interim pilot with the Corps of Commissionaires.”

Throughout the summer, each team will spend 40 hours a week in those neighbourhoods, the city said, working to build relationships, ensure vulnerable people know how to access support services, identify and prevent crime “as appropriate,” report criminal activity and collect data.

The city said its support teams have been trained in first aid, including CPR and the delivery of Naoloxone, as well as trauma-informed practices, conflict resolution, protocols for transporting vulnerable individuals and “verbal judo.”

During their work, the city said its teams will collect data on wellness checks, emergency and medical responses, the number of people requesting and accepting support, as well as incidents involving fires, trespassing, property damage, assault, garbage and discarded needles. Calls for additional support from police or the fire department will also be tracked.

“The teams have had orientations with Fire Community Support and the Fire Department’s Unhoused team. They will also be meeting with SPS’s Alternative Response Officers, Community Mobilization Officers, and Bike Unit,” the city added.

“They met with the City’s Auntie Advocate, Dorthea Swiftwolfe and had a prayer and smudge to help start the Indigenous Support Team project in a good way.”