NAN congratulates new NAPS Chief Roland Morrison

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, congratulates Roland Morrison on his appointment as Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS):

“Chief Morrison is the first recruited member from Nishnawbe Aski Nation to rise through the ranks to lead NAPS and we are pleased to welcome him as our new Chief of Police. Chief Morrison has extensive experience in the operational and administrative aspects of policing, and we share the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead our dedicated officers and civilian staff into a promising future. We are confident that his expertise, leadership and dedication to First Nation policing will be a tremendous asset to NAPS and the communities we serve. He has our unwavering support.”

Chief Morrison was born and raised in Moose Factory, Ontario, and is a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation. He served for six years as Deputy Chief of Police and was appointed Acting Chief of Police in September 2018 following the retirement of former Chief Terry Armstrong. A swearing-in ceremony will be held at a later date.

Outgoing NAPS Chief Terry Armstrong was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by Canada’s Governor General for exemplarily service over his 30-year policing career. He was honoured by Chiefs-in-Assembly for his dedication to First Nation policing in February 2017.

Bill 68, the Comprehensive Police Services Act, 2019 received royal assent in March 2019 paving the way for the NAPS to become a fully mandated police force. The legislation creates the option for First Nation police services to provide community safety backed by the rule of law.

NAPS is the largest First Nation police service in Canada and the second largest First Nation police service in North America, employing approximately 160 uniformed officers and 30 civilians. Based in Thunder Bay, NAPS polices 35 communities across NAN territory, which encompasses nearly two-thirds of the Province of Ontario.

More information: www.naps.ca

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca