The RCMP's Aboriginal Shield program was designed to help local facilitators speak with youth about issues that young people face, like gangs, alcohol and drugs, through drawing on aboriginal cultural references, quotes and images.
But in Nunavut, the majority of the references weren't resonating with students.
"The Arctic is quite unique and a lot of the information that the southern part of Canada develops isn't always relevant," says Theresa Koonoo, with the Department of Health in Iqaluit. "We want to ensure that the information we're providing will be understood and absorbed by the students."
Koonoo gives the example of sacred tobacco, which is important for southern aboriginal people, but because trees and plants don't grow up North, doesn't apply in a northern context. So the RCMP has been working with the Department of Health and the Department of Education, drawing on Inuit quotes, artwork and cultural references to adapt the content.
Sgt. Yvonne Niego, from the RCMP's community policing unit in Nunavut, was born and raised in Baker Lake, Nunavut. She says it's extremely important that the content being presented to the Inuit youth be culturally relevant to them.
"We were living nomadically in the last 50 to 60 years so it can be difficult for youth to navigate growing up in Nunavut when a lot of our elders have knowledge that applies more to the environment and a younger generation with a more worldly mindset — there can be some mixed messages," says Niego.
They hope to roll out the new program this coming fall, in time for the new school year. They'll be training local facilitators to present the material to students, ensuring continuity and consistency for the program.
"We rely tremendously on partnerships to ensure programs are followed through," says Niego. "As good as the RCMP is, we need the community to be a part of the programs, to help serve the community and to be inclusive."