Summary
The government recruited First Nations people as police constables in order to surveil activity on reserves, and to gather evidence that would incriminate peoples on reserves for 'illegal activity.' Government officials were particularly concerned about the sale and trade of liquor on reserves. This was also a cost-saving measure, as First Nations constables were paid less than settler counterparts. The government hired First Nations peoples who were deemed "reliable and intelligent," as directed by western academic standards, who were deemed morally upstanding by Indian Agents, and who conformed to Christian morals.
Implications
This policy had a high capacity to create internal divisions in communities. Community members were placed in opposition to each other as the government sought increased control over reserve populations, particularly as it related to alcohol consumption. This also had a tendency to alienate First Nations constables from their family and community, as they were now allied with colonial police.
Resources
Date
1889-00-00
Theme(s)