Sheila North, a former journalist and grand chief, has been appointed as Winnipeg Police Service’s first external Indigenous adviser. Her role, aimed at providing an Indigenous perspective, will help guide police leadership in addressing issues involving Indigenous communities. North’s expertise is especially valuable given that Indigenous people make up the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada, and 12% of the police workforce is Indigenous.
North, a member of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, previously led Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents First Nations in northern Manitoba. She has over a decade of journalistic experience and has run for leadership positions in the Assembly of First Nations and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. While she has had positive interactions with the police, she acknowledges the need to repair strained relationships between Indigenous communities and the force.
The new advisory position is part of Winnipeg Police Chief Gene Bowers’ commitment to heal historical wounds and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, valued, and safe. Board chair Markus Chambers and Damon Johnston, president of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, both expressed confidence in North’s ability to bridge gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
However, advocates like Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, who works on issues related to missing and murdered Indigenous people, caution that the role must lead to meaningful change, not just symbolic gestures. There is concern that past systemic issues, including racism and police brutality, have left some Indigenous people wary of the police.
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