As of Friday (May 25) morning at 8:30, Dakota Ojibway Police Service will be no more.
The organization announced today that effective June 1, DOPS will officially begin its transition to Manitoba First Nations Police in an effort to be recognized as an inclusive organization to all First Nations in Manitoba.
All changes of police equipment, materials, and the re-branding of the police service will start and continue over a two year period. DOPS provides First Nation policing in six communities across the province, including Birdtail Sioux First Nation, Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation and Waywayseecappo First Nation.
Historically, DOPS is the original establishment of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) and held the name Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police. The name was in effect from December 1974, was prepared and agreed to by all Chiefs of the DOTC until 1993.
On December 31, 1994, a long term Tripartite Agreement was finalized and on February 1, 1995, DOPS resumed full-time policing services. Over the past few years, DOPS has actively reengaged DOTC, the federal government, the provincial government, and DOPS legal counsel, to re-initiate the change of DOPS to MFNP.
DOPS received notice earlier this month from legal counsel that the official name of Manitoba First Nations Police was approved and legally registered for use.
-Article Courtesy of Portage Daily Graphic
