Most of a $633.7-million federal investment in Indigenous policing over four years is expected to go toward the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS).
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made the announcement Friday alongside Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and area MPs.
Anandasangaree said most of the funding will support NAPS, with the federal and Ontario governments working to finalize the details of their cost-sharing agreement.
Ontario currently covers 52.48 per cent of the costs, and discussions are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The funding will begin in 2027-28, with another $250.9 million in ongoing support. The money will help provide more stable and predictable funding for First Nations and Inuit police services and facilities in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
Anandasangaree said public safety remains a major concern for First Nations communities, particularly in Northern Ontario, where issues involving drugs and gangs have created additional challenges.
He said the investment is intended to provide police services with long-term financial support rather than a temporary solution.
Budget 2026 also includes $140 million over four years for community-led crime prevention and culturally appropriate safety programs across Indigenous communities.
The funding will allow First Nations and Inuit communities to develop safety programs based on their own needs and priorities, particularly in remote areas.
Fiddler welcomed the announcement, saying it will help NAPS move closer to the vision First Nations leaders had when they created the police service more than 30 years ago.
He also praised NAPS leadership, management and officers for their work in serving communities across the region.
Benedict said funding for community-led safety programs is also important, noting that local leaders need resources to help keep their communities safe.
He said more work is needed to ensure First Nations communities have the policing support they require and that Indigenous leaders remain involved in decisions affecting public safety.
