| The Police Mkwa Opportunity Circle is a unique partnership between the Greater Sudbury Police Service, White Buffalo Road, Shki Mawtch Taw-Win En-Mook Curriculum Project, the Rainbow District School Board and Aboriginal students interested in a career in policing or other occupations in the criminal justice system.
The opportunity circle has developed a mentorship program for secondary students, with a strong focus on students wishing to pursue a career in the criminal justice system.
The initiative and related course curriculum involves the first three of six phases of the program: Phase One, Career Studies for Grade 10 students; Phase two, a Law component for Grade 11 and 12 students; and Phase Three, a ground breaking Interdisciplinary Studies component for Grade 12 students.
PHASE 1 - The students are introduced to officers from the Greater Sudbury Police Service who take them on a tour of the police department, give them an overview of policing in society, and then take the students on two full day job shadowing ride-alongs. The students along with their police mentors also attend a half-day of cultural awareness training provided by White Buffalo Road. The students take this learning back to their Career Studies classes and at the end of the term attend a special traditional celebration and feast with their mentors at the N’swakamok Native Friendship Centre.
PHASE 2 - Involves a grade 12 Law course for aboriginal students. Officers attend the classroom and give presentations on different legal issues. Other topics covered would be issues of law pertaining to Aboriginals, taught from an Aboriginal perspective. This phase also involves a one-day workshop at the police station, a full day job shadow ride along with police mentors and a full day of cultural training.
PHASE 3 - Which is unique and the first of its kind in Canada, is an interdisciplinary course of study for aboriginal students who are looking for a career in criminal justice. Students will be given a screening test, based on the test given by the police department to potential candidates. The students will be tested on literacy, numeracy, interpersonal skills and physical education/health. Once the assessment is complete, individualized programs are created for the Aboriginal students.
PHASE 4 - Involves summer work placements with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, Ministry of the Attorney General – Criminal Law Division, Ministry of Children & Youth Services and Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
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