25thAnnual Community Justice Awards 2016

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1 Alberta Justice and Solicitor General 25thAnnual Community Justice Awards 2016 June 3, p.m. McDougall Centre Street SW, Calgary, AB

The Alberta Community Justice Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations promoting community justice in the province.

2 The Alberta Community Justice Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations promoting community justice in the province. The awards are in the categories of leadership, innovation, community mobilization, and partnerships and collaboration. Alberta Justice and Solicitor General is co-hosting the ceremony with the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Justice Award recipients, dignitaries and participants

3 2016 COMMUNITY JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENTS LEADERSHIP Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women With Addictions Calgary INNOVATION Kainai Peacemaking Program Blood Tribe COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Constable Steven Baker Lethbridge Police Service PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION Sergeant Gary Maclaren Maskwacis RCMP Detachment Tully R. Johnson Rosebrier Rural Crime Watch Constable Scott Lowe Peace River RCMP Detachment

4 PROGRAM Dignitaries and award recipients will be escorted into the ceremony by police members PIPER Pipe Major Stephanie McSween Calgary Police Service, Pipe Band HONOUR GUARDS Constable Brian Bohrn Constable Brent Bohrn Constable Jason Ross Constable Adam Gregory Medicine Hat Police Service WELCOME Staff Sergeant Brian Christmann Medicine Hat Police Service Master of Ceremonies NATIONAL ANTHEM Constable Carlamay Blight Calgary Police Service

5 OPENING REMARKS Chief Andy McGrogan Medicine Hat Police Service AWARD PRESENTATIONS & CITATIONS Honourable Kathleen Ganley Minister, Justice and Solicitor General Carsten Erbe, Director Crime Prevention and Restorative Justice Justice and Solicitor General CLOSING REMARKS Honourable Kathleen Ganley Minister, Justice and Solicitor General Reception to follow

Message from Honourable Kathleen Ganley Minister, Justice and Solicitor General On behalf of the Government of Alberta, welcome to the 2016 Community Justice Awards.

6 Message from Honourable Kathleen Ganley Minister, Justice and Solicitor General On behalf of the Government of Alberta, welcome to the 2016 Community Justice Awards. We all have a role in ensuring our neighbourhoods and communities are safe, and the Community Justice Awards recognize and celebrate the work of those who dedicate their time to community safety and crime prevention initiatives, victim services, youth justice committees and restorative justice programs. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards, and I am honoured to be taking part. I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to all of this year s recipients, along with the many other frontline service providers, non-profit organizations, volunteers and law enforcement agencies across Alberta, for their commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Medicine Hat Police Service for co-hosting this year s event. Kathleen Ganley Minister, Justice and Solicitor General

Message from Chief Andy McGrogan Medicine Hat Police Service On behalf of the Medicine Hat Police Service, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2016 Alberta

We are honored to co-host this event with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in their

Through their accomplishments, the award recipients have aspired to make their communities stronger and more resilient as they address complex issues and challenges.

7 Message from Chief Andy McGrogan Medicine Hat Police Service On behalf of the Medicine Hat Police Service, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2016 Alberta Community Justice Awards. We are honored to co-host this event with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in their communities through leading community safety and crime prevention initiatives. Through their accomplishments, the award recipients have aspired to make their communities stronger and more resilient as they address complex issues and challenges. Each of these individuals and organizations have demonstrated leadership as they seized the opportunity to collaborate with others in new and exciting ways, to enhance service, mobilize community resources and form new partnerships. Their work will serve as an inspiration to others and we thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make our province strong and vibrant. Andy McGrogan Chief of Police Medicine Hat Police Service

2016 LEADERSHIP CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women With Addictions Calgary Established in 1970, the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women With Addictions (Aventa) has a

8 2016 LEADERSHIP CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women With Addictions Calgary Established in 1970, the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women With Addictions (Aventa) has a longstanding, distinguished reputation for providing evidence-based, holistic addiction treatment services for women, with a focus on traumainformed residential addiction treatment services. Aventa opens its doors to serve the most vulnerable women suffering not only from addictions, but a host of other mental and physical health challenges, making them some of the most difficult and complex clients to treat. Aventa recognizes the impact that trauma has had on women s lives, and has developed a framework based on gender-responsive policies and practices that address family of origin concerns, sexism, racism, relationships, interpersonal violence, past abuse, sexuality and self-care. The program is client-centered, working with each woman to build safety plans and a path to personal resilience based on their individual experiences. Inclusivity is built into all Aventa s programming, which includes stabilization, short-andlong-term residential services, a young adult program, programs for pregnant women to assist them in the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, life and health skills programming, and after-care programming. Aventa has worked in close partnership with Corrections Services Canada for over 23 years helping women on temporary release, day parole, and/or full release, working to successfully integrate them back into the community. Other community partners include Alberta Health Services, the Calgary and Edmonton Drug Treatment Courts, and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General s Community Corrections and Release Program. Aventa has been recognized with a number of awards, including the Government of Alberta s Human Services Inspiration Award for Leadership in Family Violence Prevention, the Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse (CCSA) Award of Distinction for Excellence in the delivery of addiction treatment services, and the Bhayana Family Foundation Collaboration for Mental Health Employment, Substance Abuse and Housing

2016 INNOVATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Kainai Peacemaking Program Blood Tribe The Kainai Peacemaking Program is a life-changing initiative that integrates traditional Kainai teaching and traditions

9 2016 INNOVATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Kainai Peacemaking Program Blood Tribe The Kainai Peacemaking Program is a life-changing initiative that integrates traditional Kainai teaching and traditions to create tangible and lasting effects in the lives of individuals, families, and the community. Established in 2008, the program strives to place the responsibility for keeping peace and order, balance, and harmony back in the hands of the community. The notion of restorative justice is rooted in the practice and traditions of Blood Tribe and traditional Kainai society. Kainai elders were involved throughout the program s development, articulating Kainai peacemaking s worldview, values, customs, traditions and protocols. When order has been disrupted through inappropriate behaviour or wrongdoing, peacemaking restores harmony in relations within families, clans and the tribe. Peacemaking also involves making peace with one s self when one wishes to right wrongs within one s own life. This program works with community members to resolve conflicts with the law, as well as wrongdoings and disputes arising in the community. It places an emphasis on ensuring safety and well-being by engaging in prevention and healing activities including restorative justice, education, traditional ceremonies, and elderled counselling. It draws on existing community-based social services and the Blood Tribe s sense of community and collective responsibility. The majority of clients successfully complete the program and many have gone on to heal relationships that have been broken, secure employment, resume studies, and get back on track.

10 2016 COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Steven Baker Lethbridge Police Service First developing an -based education framework in the form of newsletters and be on the lookout (BOLO) reports, he later received funding for what participants refer to as the retail cop online platform, called RICI (the Retail Industry Crime Initiative). Constable Steven Baker has worked with the Lethbridge Police Service s Community Liaison Unit since June When he took responsibility for the Community Policing Meetings program, focusing on loss prevention in the business community, he focused his attention on addressing the historically low turnout and engagement at these events. Discovering that businesses found that having their only loss prevention officer attending a meeting left their business vulnerable to crime, he began to look for alternative ways to re-establish communication and intelligence sharing between police, businesses, loss prevention teams and security professionals. This web-based initiative is a database of retail crime intelligence, where participants submit information and photos of current cases, BOLO reports and information regarding best practices around loss prevention. Members provide the content for the site, with Constable Baker doing the initial editing/vetting and administering the management of the information online. Constable Baker s RICI initiative allows members to become familiar with repeat offenders, and is reported to have significantly reduced the incidence of crimes in the retail sector. The members of the business community in the region are grateful for Constable Baker s efforts and applaud his commitment to looking for innovative, practical solutions to the challenges they face.

2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Gary Maclaren Maskwacis RCMP Detachment Sergeant Gary Maclaren serves the First Nations community of Maskwacis in the RCMP detachment, and

11 2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Gary Maclaren Maskwacis RCMP Detachment Sergeant Gary Maclaren serves the First Nations community of Maskwacis in the RCMP detachment, and is recognized for his respect for and positive approach to the Cree traditions of the community. During his time in Maskwacis, he has demonstrated a commitment to improving the living conditions of residents and the relationship between the community and the RCMP. He is an active participant in the local HUB, a partnership of community agencies with representatives from the health, mental health, housing, youth and justice sectors, which aims to develop tailor-made strategies to assist individuals with their challenges. Sergeant Maclaren understands the community s need to have control over its approach to justice, encouraging community members to lend their voice to issues that arise, offering a safe space to speak and supporting the community s involvement. He is a strong believer in a preventionbased approach, including Option 4 programming and traffic safety planning. A Charity Checkstop event coordinated by Sergeant Maclaren raised $9,700 and brought awareness to the issue of impaired driving. Money raised was donated to the local food bank and was also used to purchase Christmas gifts for children. Sergeant Maclaren attends many community events and cultural ceremonies, developing strong relationships between himself, the local RCMP detachment and the community. He is also a hockey coach for a community youth team, travelling with them to games and providing them with a sense of accomplishment and team camaraderie. Sergeant Maclaren has been particularly effective when working with youth and families, and is committed to helping the community heal and rebuild, while helping members restore harmony and balance to the community s Cree ways of being.

2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Tully R. Johnson Rosebrier Rural Crime Watch He is a skilled partnership and network builder.

12 2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Tully R. Johnson Rosebrier Rural Crime Watch He is a skilled partnership and network builder. He forged a partnership with the Wetaskiwin Victim Services Society, and also got the local 4-H club involved with the crime watch program, inviting them to meetings, hosting an annual poster contest and developing an award for 4-H members who display strong community and club involvement. farmer and businessman, Tully A Johnson is a founding board member of the Rosebrier Rural Crime Watch (RCW) organization, launched in He was elected president in 2011, and in 2012 he was also elected to the provincial Rural Crime Watch board of directors. Mr. Johnson made building a close partnership with the RCMP a priority in order to help the RCW prevent crime in the area. His efforts have resulted in the Rosebrier patrol having a liaison officer involved with the organization. Tully s relationship-building skills have also increased membership in the organization; currently, Rosebrier s RCW has 112 members. His efforts have also increased the community s knowledge about how to report crime. In his provincial role, he has assisted a number of other nearby communities in establishing their own RCW organizations, and helped renew or restart interest in existing groups across his zone. He was asked by the region s federal MP to sit on a round table discussion about crime in rural areas, with the Deputy Minister of Public Safety, the province and RCMP K Division. His community commitment is evidenced in his other volunteer work, including serving as a member of the Wetaskiwin Rural Fire Board for 35 years, as well as director and past president of the local community hall s board of directors. He is the volunteer steward for the Alberta Conservation Association s Buck for Wildlife initiative. He is the embodiment of devotion and commitment to building a safer community for all.

2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Constable Scott Lowe Peace River RCMP Detachment Constable Scott Lowe has gone above and beyond his job description in his leadership and

13 2016 PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION CATEGORY AWARD RECIPIENT Constable Scott Lowe Peace River RCMP Detachment Constable Scott Lowe has gone above and beyond his job description in his leadership and his ability to create relationships with youth to increase their academic and social success. A senior constable at the Peace Regional RCMP Detachment, he works in the Woodland Cree First Nation. The region s Cadotte Lake School had a long history of break-ins, theft and vandalism. Constable Lowe worked with the band s chief and council to leverage $380,000 from Shell Canada to get upgrades to the facility and security equipment. He arranged a partnership with the Peace River Correctional Centre to have inmates repair the school sign and he commissioned a First Nations artist to paint a mural in the school. He also reached out to the youth who participated in the offenses, meeting with parents and school administration to work together on a plan to reduce their criminal involvement. Constable Lowe has worked to engage youth in the school, getting students to design a school logo, and helped obtain school uniforms which provide an opportunity for students to feel pride and more connection to the school. Passionate about promoting sport as a diversion from negative influence and behaviour, Constable Lowe founded the Pawatum Peace Regional Sports Foundation, supporting youth in need. He partnered with Sports Central to get hockey equipment for over 100 kids, developed a hockey program and organized inter-school ball competitions. Working with the school s industrial arts teacher, he organized the construction of an outdoor dressing room and bench area for the hockey rink. Apart from his school-related commitments, he has also had a measurable impact on alcohol abuse in the community, working with regional liquor stores and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to reduce the illicit supply of alcohol in the community. The incidents of petty crime against the school have been drastically reduced, and school pride has increased due to Constable Lowe s efforts to break down barriers between the police and community.

16 2015 Community Justice Awards Ceremony Honour Guards

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. 24thAnnual. Community Justice Awards

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General 24thAnnual Community Justice Awards 2015 Note: A photographer provided by the Edmonton Police Service will be taking pictures of the ceremony and of the award recipients.