The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), in partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), has introduced a newly designed community relations cruiser aimed at strengthening engagement and relationship-building with Indigenous communities in Winnipeg.
The vehicle was officially unveiled June 30 during a public ceremony and will be assigned exclusively to the WPS Community Relations Division. It will not be used for enforcement purposes and will be used solely by the Community Relations Division for community events.
“Today, we are unveiling our new Winnipeg Police Service Truth and Reconciliation Cruiser, which we believe will serve as a powerful symbol of collaboration and partnership between our service and Indigenous communities,” said Chief of Police Gene Bowers at Tuesday’s ceremony.
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Focus on relationship-building and reconciliation
WPS leadership says the initiative is part of a broader effort to embed reconciliation into day-to-day policing and community engagement work.
Chief Bowers says the project reflects a commitment to ensuring Indigenous voices are represented within the service and in how it connects with communities across the city.
“I am excited to share a new initiative, one which represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation.”
The cruiser was developed through collaboration between WPS and the AMC, with input from Indigenous leadership, community members and internal teams working on community relations and reconciliation initiatives.
Indigenous artwork at the centre of design
A key feature of the cruiser is its exterior design, created by Brian Hunter, a Métis artist and WPS constable.
The artwork incorporates elements of the Seven Sacred Teachings and includes Indigenous symbols. The design also uses colour themes representing land, water and sky.
“I was asked to create the Seven Sacred Teachings on both sides of the cruiser car, and on the back there are two Inuit symbols, the ulu and the kayak.” He says the art represents reconciliation.
“I created almost like a white stitching to make it look like these shapes were sewn onto the car, and to me the stitching was a reference to the thoughtful work that we’re all doing as a community, as well as the important work that still needs to be done,” said Hunter.
Hunter says the design was intended to reflect Indigenous knowledge systems while also resonating with younger generations.
“I created the design with my two young boys in mind. I wanted to create some images that would capture their imagination and get them excited about Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous teachings.”
Ceremony highlights community collaboration
The unveiling ceremony included a prayer from Elder Mike Calder and remarks from community and policing leaders.
Kyra Wilson, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, highlighted ongoing collaboration between the AMC and WPS, including work connected to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls initiatives, and emphasized the importance of continued partnership in improving community safety.
“We will see between First Nations leadership here in Manitoba with the Winnipeg Police Service and how we can further support the need within our community to make sure our communities are safe and to make sure that people recognize that they are represented in every space within the City,” said Wilson.
Organizers say the cruiser is intended to serve both a symbolic and practical role, supporting dialogue, visibility and relationship-building between police and Indigenous communities. It will also be available for requests at community events.
The unveiling took place during National Indigenous History Month, which organizers say added significance to the launch.