In May 2023, the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) in collaboration with Aamjiwnaang First Nation, introduced the position of the Aamjiwnaang Community Officer.
The Community Officer provides a unique, effective, efficient, and culturally appropriate service to all the people of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, supporting the community’s goal of a harmonious and healthy community.
To further our commitment to Aamjiwnaang First Nation and maintain a visible police presence, the SPS solicited the community’s help in the design and creation of an Aamjiwnaang heritage cruiser.
This dedicated police vehicle features imagery to celebrate the rich history of Indigenous culture.
The vehicle wrap was created by Aaron Plain, a local landscape designer and artist and was approved for use by both the SPS and Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief and Council.
The design is called “Keeper” and is described by the artist “as an experiment that grew into a story.”
It features images of warriors, of women and of Mother Earth.
Other prominent elements are the medicine wheel—a reminder Aaron says, “that everything comes in fours—the seasons, the four stages of life and the four cardinal directions.”
The orange handprint is to “help us remember and honour the lives of our children.”
The SPS is one of two municipal services in Ontario with a mandate to provide adequate and effective policing services to a First Nation community.
“Effective policing is built upon trust and accountability,” stated Chief Derek Davis.
“With the privilege of providing policing services for Aamjiwnaang First Nation, the Sarnia Police introduced our first Aamjiwnaang Community Officer last year. We are pleased to expand that program with the introduction of a specially designed Aamjiwnaang community police vehicle.”
Chief Davis added: “Designed by a First Nation artist, this vehicle helps demonstrate our commitment to both respect and reflect the distinct identity of the Aamjiwnaang community in the provision of policing services.”
