Solving crime in Calling Lake is going to take a strong acknowledgement and understanding of Indigenous issues.
Calling Lake resident Charity Jardine said a mindset of reconciliation must be present to address the issue and that is absolutely correct. Uncomfortable as it may be, race and colonial history cannot be ignored in trying to address the issues of Calling Lake.
When cottagers, RCMP, our MLA and the Municipal District of Opportunity council met Aug. 22 to discuss crime, though it was a public meeting, more should have been done to ensure there would be a presence from the full-time, Indigenous residents of the community. Regardless of whether it was intentional, this failure cannot be brushed aside.
Seasonal residents have tried to be mindful of the divides of Calling Lake while flying a big banner to try to rally the whole community. But mere words and wishful thinking do not achieve that. It takes actions and behaviours. Failing to have strong representation from the entire community at that meeting ultimately undermined the rallying effort.
The ignorance of that failing from RCMP is also very concerning. Asked to comment on a letter from Indigenous Calling Lake residents expressing their frustration about the meeting, Athabasca RCMP Staff Sgt. Paul Gilligan said: “I do not understand the issue or what would prompt them to write it. The group that made a presentation to the council were very clear in that they considered all of Calling Lake their community.”
Athabasca RCMP is making crime in Calling Lake their focus point. But it is a problem that the detachment commander thinks a group of primarily white people represents the interests of the entire community because they said they do. The letter brings up a lot of complicated issues that take time to understand, but the comment does not even express a desire to work towards that understanding.
You cannot sweep aside how historical, racial and economic divides play a part in the crime of Calling Lake. We can work through those divides, but we have to recognize them. You can throw all the officers you want into Calling Lake. But real, lasting change does not come without finding that understanding. Hopefully, a positive, reconciliatory mindset will present at the Sept. 15 town hall.
