Feasibility Study for
a Self-Administered Police Service
The future of PAGC Policing is here.
PAGC First Nation communities.
We are pleased to inform you that the final version of the PAGC First Nations Police Service Model Study has now been completed.
Find attached is an electronic version of the executive summary
This represents a significant milestone for PAGC, as the study provides a comprehensive and evidence-based foundation for moving forward with the development of a First Nations police service that reflects our communities’ needs, values, and priorities.
As we move into the next phase of this work, the following steps are required:
- Formal sharing of the final report with all twelve (12) PAGC Nations
- Ongoing community engagement and presentations to ensure leadership and members are fully informed
- Completing a Band Council Resolution from each Nation confirming their support for the policing model and their intent to proceed
- Utilizing these BCRs to support PAGC in advancing discussions with federal and provincial partners
Securing support from all member Nations will be critical in demonstrating a unified position as we move forward in building a PAGC First Nations Police Service.
I will be coordinating with each Nation to schedule presentations and support the BCR process.
Please let me know if you have any questions or require any additional information.
Thank you for your continued leadership and support on this important initiative.
If your Nation wants a final copy of the police model study, please reach out to David Sanderson @ 306-941-9604 or by email @ david.sanderson@pagc.net.
Respectfully,
David Sanderson
Prince Albert Grand Council
Public Safety Implementation Advisor
04-07-2026
Reports
- 2019 National First Nations Policing and Indigenous Justice Symposium – Final Report
- 2022 Signed Letter of Intent formalizing a collaborative working relationship between PAGC, the Govt. of Canada and the Govt. of Saskatchewan.
- 2022 Summary of the Braiding Knowledge for Safe Communities Symposium
- 2024 PAGC Tribune newspaper article announcing Feasibility Study
- 2025 PAGC Tribune Article “The Vision of a PAGC Indigenous self-administered Police Service”
- 2025 PAGC Tribune Article “Creating a Self-administered Indigenous Police Service for PAGC Communities will be a huge Challenge”
- March 2026 PAGC Tribune “What an Indigenous Self-administered Police service might look like”
FAQ
Why is PAGC looking at its own police service?
PAGC is committed to ensuring community safety and supporting thriving, healthy communities. By creating an Indigenous police service governed by PAGC, we can provide culturally appropriate interventions and responses. It will help us ensure the safety and well-being of all community members while respecting the unique needs and values of our people.
Will all member Nations be required to participate?
Participation will be voluntary. Nations who are exploring their own self-governed
alternatives to policing or wishing to remain under RCMP jurisdiction are welcome to do so.
What is the expected timeline?
While we know communities are anxious to move forward with this initiative, it is important
we do this thougtfully and thoroughly.
Since the creation of the Public Safety Implementation Team in 2022, we have worked
tirelessly to secure funding from the federal and provincial governments. The next stage, a
feasibility study, will take approximately two years to complete.
This includes:
- Community safety analysis
- Engagement with all 28 member communities
- Inventory of existing policing infrastructure and resources budget analysis for
operational and transition costs - Future state model proposals for further consultation
Once we have a full picture of community safety needs, existing resources, and additional
requirements, and have selected a policing model, we will be able to share next steps and
a detailed transition timeline.
Will there still be RCMP presence in the North?
Saskatchewan is a large province, and we expect any long-term successful model will
involve collaboration with both the RCMP and any existing local police forces. The RCMP
will also continue to hold primary jurisdiction in communities that are not members of
PAGC.
Will there be any immediate changes to policing?
While the study is ongoing, there will be no changes to current policing services.