Aamjiwnaang residents may notice a new Sarnia Police Service (SPS) vehicle patrolling the community.
The truck was unveiled on Tuesday, May 14 during a ceremony at the First Nation.
It will be used by the Aamjiwnaang Community Officer, who was first introduced in May of 2023.
The 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," SPS said in a media release.
The Heritage cruiser features imagery to celebrate the rich history of Indigenous culture.
The vehicle wrap was created by local landscape designer and artist Aaron Plain. The design is called “Keeper” and is described by Plain as "an experiment that grew into a story."
Plain said it features images of warriors, of women and of Mother Earth.
"Other prominent elements are the medicine wheel, a reminder that everything comes in fours — the seasons, the four stages of life and the four cardinal directions," said Plain. "The orange handprint is to help us remember and honour the lives of our children."
Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis commented on the announcement.
“Effective policing is built upon trust and accountability," said 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. 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."
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.
