Just before the Victoria Day long weekend, Rama First Nation introduced several new measures to discourage the congregation of boaters at Chief Island.
The measures were put in place after "rowdy" long weekend parties made waves in the shallow bay near Chief Island in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Those parties resulted in pollution in the water and on the island and upset local residents who felt such gatherings disrespected the sacred grounds.
Rama Police Inspector Tom Batisse says the usual crowds of boaters and swimmers in the water that surrounds Chief Island were non-existent this past weekend.
“It was relatively quiet compared to years prior. Obviously, the stay-at-home order played a role in that,” Batisse said.
“Our officers were out on the water conducting patrols and public engagement, and it went relatively smooth.”
No charges related to Chief Island were laid this weekend, Batisse said.
“We are taking a more educational stance from a policing perspective. Our officers are involved with public engagement and education of Chief Island,” Batisse said.
Rama Police officers spent the past weekend educating the public on the significance of island, the territory of Rama First Nation, the area, and its position.
“The majority of the boating community is relatively respectful and has an understanding of the concerns, so generally we haven’t had any issues whatsoever,” Batisse said.
“Given the circumstances of the pandemic and stay-at-home order, it was pretty good,” Batisse said.
Despite the many new restrictions on Chief Island including restricted access for non-members, Batisse says there were no complaints reported to Rama Police.
“There was no feedback given from the officers with respect to frustrations or concerns,” he said.
“Most of the boaters that our officers encountered were very respectful and understood the issues and concerns that were brought forward.”
Chippewas of Rama First Nation communications manager, Cathy Edney, declined to comment for this article.
