NAN Police Services Agreement

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Services Agreement is an "agreement in principle" negotiated between the Government of Canada; the Government of Ontario and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. This Agreement was preceded by twelve months of intensive negotiations which were chaired and facilitated by the Indian Commission of Ontario. The Agreement was ratified by the Nishnawbe Aski Chiefs in December 1993 and signed by the negotiating parties on January 14, 1994. Further agreements and amendments have followed the original.

The primary goal behind the Agreement was to establish an Aboriginal police service to provide effective, efficient and culturally appropriate policing to the people in the Nishnawbe-Aski area.

Phase one of the Agreement ran for a period of four years commencing April 01, 1994 in a geographic area identified in the Agreement as Division "A". All existing First Nation Constable positions plus additional positions, were transferred to the NAN Police Service for a total of thirty-three constables.

Phase Two began January 1, 1998 and the eight First Nations of Wahgoshig, Matachewan, Mattagami, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Chapleau Cree, Constance Lake and Aroland were transferred to Division "A", Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

On June 1, 1998, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service assumed policing from the former Northwest Patrol Unit, administered by the Ontario Provincial Police, except for the First Nations of Big Trout Lake, Weagamow, Muskrat Dam and Pikangikum.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is governed by its own Police Services Board consisting of a representative of each Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Tribal Council.

Logo Interpretation

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  • The Feathers, represent the four seasons and closeness to the creator;

  • The People, the men and women of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation;

  • The Pipe, the symbol of peace, respect and honour of the native people and members of the police service;

  • The Sun, the light that gives us life and guidance;

  • The Trees and Water, represent the earth;

  • The Circle, symbolizes the continuation of life