Edmonton police recognized for work with Indigenous community

The Edmonton Police Servicereceived a national award Wednesday that was once bestowed upon Nelson Mandela.

The Wolf Award, which recognizes effortsto improve harmony between cultures and races, was presented to theEPS for the work of its Indigenous Relations Unit and the Oskayak Police Academy.

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"I was told this is the first time a police service has gotten this award," said Chief Rod Knecht. "We're extremely humbled by this and thank you very much.

"We still have a way to go;we have flaws inwhat we do;we're not perfect as a police serviceobviously, but we'll keep trying.

"I'm a little taken aback by this, but thank you very much."

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The Indigenous Relations Unit seeks to build and maintain relations between the city, Indigenous people and organizations that serve them.

The Oskayak Police Academy is a program that bringsIndigenous youth from around Alberta to work alongside Edmonton police officers.

'Apowerful symbol'

The award includes a statue of a howling wolf.

"It's a powerful symbol," said Heather Acres, founder and chair of the Wolf Project. "When a wolf howls she's announcing an invitation for other wolves to join in with howls.

"Wolves we know are highly social animals and they serve as a reminder to us that survival depends on collaboration together."

Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela was presented with the award in South Africafor promoting equality of races.