What does it mean to police a community as diverse as Squamish? How can law enforcement better connect with Indigenous communities to build trust and respect?
For Const. Kelly Dean of the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU), these questions aren’t just theoretical—they’re at the heart of his everyday work.
“In my role, it’s different,” Dean shared during an interview with The Squamish Chief.
“I have a heart connection with the community. When something happens, it’s not just a call—I see how it impacts families. The community feels like my extended family.”
‘These choices are intentional’
Established in 2008, the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU) serves the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, covering Squamish, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver.
Based on the North Shore, IFNU is “focused on providing enhanced policing services that are culturally sensitive and responsive to the First Nations,” reads the website.
IFNU collaborates with First Nations leadership and departments to address community concerns, provide investigative support, and ensure emergency responses align with the priorities outlined in the Integrated First Nations Policing Agreement.
“We’re not frontline officers responding to every 911 call,” Dean said. “Our job is to connect general duty officers with the community in culturally appropriate ways.”
According to a 2022 Statistics Canada report, one in five Indigenous individuals expressed a lack of confidence in the police, a much higher proportion than non-Indigenous populations. Another 2020/2021 Statistics Canada report also revealed that Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate 8.4 times higher than non-Indigenous individuals.
According to Dean, one way the IFNU fosters trust is through intentional, trauma-aware practices.
“We don’t wear the RCMP’s yellow-striped pants or grey shirts,” Dean said.
“Our vehicles don’t display the standard buffalo logo, which can be a trauma trigger. Instead, we use artwork by Squamish artist Rick Harry. These choices are intentional—to reduce trauma and build trust.”
Dean’s traditional name, s7íl̓chi (pronounced eeth-chay), given to him in a ceremony in 2021, reflects this responsibility. Meaning “The Bowman,” it symbolizes a protector in the canoe.
“It’s a lot of responsibility,” he said. “I don’t take for granted the amount of trust the community places in me, and I reciprocate that trust.”
Addressing challenges
Dean’s role extends across almost 6,700 square kilometres, including reserve lands and unoccupied areas like fee-simple properties being returned to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
A ‘fee simple property’ is a real estate property that is owned outright, without limitations, and with the highest form of ownership.
The growing popularity of the Squamish Valley for recreation has added new complexities to his work.
“During COVID, there was a massive influx of people coming to the valley,” he said.
“We’ve had to enforce Section 58 closures to prevent people from driving or camping in sensitive areas like riverbeds. These measures aim to protect salmon habitats and address declining fish stocks—issues that are deeply important to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.”
Increased recreation has also brought safety risks.
“A few years ago, a wildfire started because someone was target shooting on Crown land,” Dean said. “Sparks from their rounds ignited a fire. Now, certain areas have signs prohibiting target shooting, though hunting is still permitted.”
Dean acknowledged the challenges of managing such a vast territory alone. “It’s a lot for one person, and adding another officer to support the community would make a significant difference,” he said.
‘Status is 100% a colonial construct’
For Dean, policing is about more than enforcement—it’s about connection.
“I spend time with Elders, drum and sing, and even learn the language,” he said. “I’m a self-taught language learner, with guidance from mentors. It’s a challenge, but it’s so rewarding.”
Dean also participates in community initiatives like youth camps and canoe journeys. He’s part of the Sema7maka canoe family and supports Tribal Journeys by ensuring safety on the water.
“One of the best things I can do is support culture and language,” he said. “It’s fulfilling for me and helps grow understanding within the broader community.”
Dean’s mixed ancestry—Danish, Scottish, and Blackfoot—gives him a personal perspective on Indigenous identity.
“My grandmother married a non-Nation person, and her Indian status was revoked,” he said.
“Status is 100% a colonial construct. Indigenous identity is about much more than a government-issued number.”
Dean highlighted the complexities of the Indian Act, which can impact community members’ rights to hunting, fishing, and other cultural practices.
“Conservation officers might determine someone’s rights based on their status number,” he said.
“But you can have direct Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lineage and still not meet the government’s criteria for status. It’s a complicated and often unfair system.”
Challenging misconceptions about policing
Dean also works to address misconceptions about law enforcement, particularly those influenced by United States media.
“In the U.S., every police show seems to involve a shootout,” he said.
“That’s just not reflective of the Canadian perspective. Most officers I’ve worked with are compassionate people who genuinely want to help.”
Dean emphasized the importance of highlighting the positive work being done by Indigenous officers across B.C.
“Every year, I meet with around 160 Indigenous police officers to discuss these issues,” he said. “It’s important to share what’s working and support one another.”
‘Being a police officer doesn’t have to be authoritarian’
While the IFNU has made strides in fostering trust and cultural understanding, Dean sees room for growth.
“We’re involved in initiatives that go beyond traditional policing to benefit the community,” he said.
“But with the size of our territory and the volume of calls we handle, adding another officer would make a significant difference, especially for recreation-related issues.”
“I don’t do anything performatively—it’s the opposite,” he said. “I’m passionate about showing that being a police officer doesn’t have to be authoritarian.”
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
