A former journalist and grand chief has been tapped to lend "an Indigenous lens" to Winnipeg police leadership.

Sheila North will serve as the Winnipeg Police Service's first external Indigenous adviser, starting immediately, police Chief Gene Bowers said at a news conference Tuesday.

The newly created role is intended to provide insight, advice and guidance to the service's leadership on strategic efforts that involve Indigenous people, police said in a news release.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

About 12 per cent of the service's current workforce is Indigenous, and Bowers said he felt it needed expertise from someone outside of the organization.

North said she will be a critical eye to help guide the force's service to the city's Indigenous population —

See Full Page