03/12/2026
On March 10, members of Edmonton Police Service (EPS) returned to Chief Aranazhi High School at Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation for the second session with students as part of an ongoing initiative focused on youth engagement, education, and building pathways toward careers in policing and community safety.
This unique collaboration between Edmonton Police Service, Backwoods Security Services, and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is designed to create meaningful dialogue with students while highlighting opportunities for Indigenous youth who may be interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement or community protection in the future.
The goal of these presentations is to provide students with practical knowledge about safety, decision-making, and the realities of policing while keeping the sessions educational, engaging, and interactive. Officers also encouraged students to participate, ask questions, and share their perspectives throughout the presentations.
Presentation topics included:
🔹 Drug and Gang Awareness (Target Group Presentation)
Officers discussed the risks associated with drug and gang activity and emphasized the importance of exercising caution around negative influences. Students learned about the long-term impact of becoming involved in these environments and the value of making positive choices and associations.
🔹 Oskayak Academy & Youth Recruit Academy Programs
EPS representatives introduced students to the Oskayak Academy and Youth Recruit Academy programs, which provide mentorship, leadership development, and a potential pathway for Indigenous youth who are interested in pursuing policing careers.
🔹 Sports and Mental Health Supports for Police Members
Students were given insight into the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and mental health supports for police officers. Officers discussed how sports, wellness programs, and peer support play an important role in maintaining balance and resilience in the profession.
🔹 Internet Safety Presentation
Younger students learned about the potential risks associated with the internet and social media. Officers focused on helping students recognize unsafe situations online, protect their personal information, and understand how online activity can have real-world consequences.
🔹 Show & Tell / Q&A – Police Equipment Demonstration
The session concluded with an interactive period where students were able to view standard and specialized policing equipment, learn the purpose of each tool, and ask officers questions about how they are used in real-world situations.
Backwoods Security Services is proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen relationships between law enforcement and Indigenous communities while inspiring the next generation of leaders who may one day choose careers dedicated to protecting and serving their communities.