b'AdvertorialHistoryof theAnishinabek Police ServiceI n 1991, Charles Cornelius, Ron Boissoneau andthe original four communities to 11 communities. An Frank Shawbedees, in conjunction with the Unionadditional two communities followed suit in 1997, of Ontario Indians entered into negotiations withbringing the total to 17 First Nation communities the Federal and Provincial Governments. It was theirwhere policing is maintained by the Anishinabek hope to gain more independence and control overPolice Service.From humble beginnings to a the policing that was being provided to their Firstproficient service, which now boasts a compliment Nation communities. of over 70 officers, the Anishinabek Police Service is The result of those negotiations was to makea shining example of First Nations law enforcement possible the creation of a standalone policein Canada.We are proud to be celebrating our 25th service that would provide policing to First Nationanniversary and are excited for the next 25 years.communities in a fashion that is acceptable to First Nations laws. The standalone police service would be given equal status with all other police agencies and it would be their mandate to hire, fire, regulate, control and maintain a fully functional police service.On March 30, 1992, Ontario-wide First Nations people were given a chance for a new beginning.A five-year Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement was signed by; Grand Council Treaty #3,Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, AIAI, AnishinabekNation, Six Nations and the Federal andProvincial Governments.In 1994, a separate two-year agreement under the umbrella of the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement called the Anishinabek Police Service was endorsed by the Chiefs of Curve Lake, Garden River, Sagamok and Saugeen First Nations. It was not until April 5, 1994, when these First Nations stepped away from the Ontario Provincial Police to form the Anishinabek Police Service.Also, in 1994, through negotiations between the Anishinabek, Federal and Provincial Governments, an agreement was signed to create and promote a standalone police service for the communities of the Anishinabek Nation. This agreement however was independent from the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement of 1992, and showed a commitment from the government to support First Nations in their pursuit of autonomy.After signing a new three-year agreement in 1996, the Anishinabek Police Service expanded from'