'Matriarchs of the community': Teslin elders become Yukon's latest community officers

The community ofTeslin, Yukon, has becomethe latest First Nation to create community safety officers.

Two sisters who grew up in the community,JoyceDouvilleand MargaretDouville, will be filling the roles. Their job is to bethe "eyes and ears of the community," saidGinaNagano, founder and CEO of House of Wolf and Associates Inc.

That includes checking in on elders, helping people get home safe if, for example, a person is"a little intoxicated,"saidNagano,and help keep "an eye on the children that are out and about."

Before this program, the community relied only on theTeslinRCMPofficers. Now, the new community officers whoare not police will bea liaisonto theRCMP.The safety officers are meant to be the first point of contact forTeslinresidents. They'll patrol the streets and, on occasion, work with theRCMP.

Naganodescribes the new recruitsas "matriarchal women" andsaid the two will help "bring back the cultural traditions and respect."

"I truly believe the respect of your elders in the community really curbs the behaviour in potential criminal activities,"Naganosaid, adding the community will be in good hands with the new team members.

JeffMyke, the new safety manager for theTeslinTlingit Council, said the creation of the program inTeslinwas partly driven by a community need for an officer that seemed more approachable to residents.

Mykesaid there is a "lack of trust, perhaps, where some some citizens [don't] feel comfortable in speaking to the police."

And, he added, residents wantedto have "that more sensitive approach to the needs of what the community was looking for."

'The two deadly Aunties'

He said he'sproud of his two new safety officers, who he addedare well-respected elders.

"They are considered matriarchs of the community," he said. "I think it's going to work in our favour because nobody is going to mess around with them we call them the 'two deadly Aunties.'"

Myke, whoused to be anRCMPofficer and was pulled out of retirementto oversee the program, saidit's made "for the people, by the people."

"It's just another way for me to give back to my community,"Mykesaid.

This programis the third of its kind in the Yukon.

KwanlinDnFirst Nation in Whitehorse and the Selkirk First Nation inPellyCrossing have had their program in place for several years now.