IFNU
147 East 14th St V7L 2N4 North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Old School Carson buddies! Sgt Peri Mainwaring tagged long with IFNU today and bumped into an old school mate, Mary Jacobs at Seymour Band Office. Looking good ladies!

Today our IFNU Constables were in the community interacting with different partners. We proudly serve The Squamish and Tsleil Waututh Nation and look forward to a great 2020.

And that’s a wrap folks! Sgt Mike Ashcroft, served his last day as boss of IFNU today. We wish Mike the best of luck as he heads back across the river to West Vancouver. Mike will be taking over as boss of The Major Investigation Team at West Vancouver Police Department.... Mike is a hard worker and leads by example, day in, day out, said A/Sgt Jeff Wood, who will be taking over as interim boss, It’s a loss to our unit, to lose an asset like Mike and no doubt the communities he serves, will miss him. We wish him the best in his next endeavour. ‘I’m proud of my accomplishments at IFNU. Four years has gone so quickly. I will miss the people I work with and will cherish these friendships forever, said Sgt Ashcroft, I raise my hands in thanks to those that have guided me along the way. Huy chexw. As depicted in the photos, Sgt Ashcroft is a highly decorated within both communities and throughout the province. Good bye and good luck Mike

December 13, 2019: Today is Cst. Eugenio PASQUARELLI's last day with the unit. Sgt. ASHCROFT would like to thank Eugenio for his unwaivering commitment to serve the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh communities. Eugenio was instrumental at re-connecting IFNU with the Squamish Valley, where he worked closely with several community members. Good luck in your future endevours Pasta, we will miss you!

Today marks the passing of the torch, said Squamish Nation Councillor Chris Lewis. After 4 years of working with the people of The Squamish and Tsleil Waututh Nations, Sgt Mike Ashcroft is headed back to West Vancouver Police Department. Sgt Ashcroft is handing over the unit, into the very capable hands of A/Sgt Jeff Wood (Caretaker of Sema7maka).... I came into this unit and was able to accomplish many of my goals, while meeting some amazing people along the way. I am truly grateful, to have had the opportunity to work with this fantastic group during my tenure at IFNU, said an emotional Sgt. Ashcroft. Both Sgt Ashcroft and A/Sgt Wood were stood up and blanketed today. Sgt. Ashcroft was blanketed for his dedication to IFNU and his efforts to build bridges within the community. A/Sgt Wood was blanketed for his continual efforts in youth engagement, within both Ch’ich’iyuy and Sema7maka canoe families. It is an absolute honour to be recognized by The Squamish Nation, said A/Sgt Wood, I look forward to carrying on from the success that Mike had.

A few of the Sema7maka Canoe family gathered this weekend at The Squamish Nation Canoe Club to weave cedar hats. Under the watchful eye of Uncle Buck (Alroy Baker), the young canoe family will make hats for next year’s Pulling Together Canoe Journey. Thanks to everyone that has supported our family along the way!

What a blast it was to escort the Squamish Nation Pride Parade float around Xwemelch'stn. It felt good to see all of the cheers and waves of support from community members, including some great dance moves on the street. Kwitelut ran a mini-marathon: running to each house in the community to hand out invites to the Pride Parade. Thanks again for letting IFNU be part of the Squamish Nation family!

Another year of Project Escape, held at Camp Jubilee, is in the books. The project is a partnership between Camp Jubilee and IFNU to help provide the "camp experience" to indigenous youth, primarily from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Project Escape first started in 2005 with the Mission RCMP, with IFNU taking over in 2009. Long-time Camp Jubilee partners, Tracy Kiefer and Dave Duckworth, were honored this year for their years of support for Project Escape. This year's camp was opened and closed by Nick George, of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

This summer, IFNU members will be stepping up patrols of the Capilano River fishing area, which was designated as a drug and alcohol free zone. IFNU will be supporting the Fish Guardians by trying to keep that area safe and inviting for families. IFNU will also be supporting the Fish Guardians in the Squamish Valley. The Liquor Control and Licensing Act is enforceable on Nation Land.

IFNU (aka RCMP Boat) was on the water to assist with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Whey-ah-wichen Canoe Races. A great day on the water, made even more special with a visit from a pod of orcas.

Thank you to TLR for inviting IFNU to assist with a patrol of the Indian River and estuary. Not a bad day at the office?

IFNU was proud to be invited to witness the naming & awakening ceremony for the Squamish RCMP canoe, Ininyaxa7n-ul-lh. It was a beautiful day, and a pleasure to see the children participating in the ceremony. As always, Aaron Williams, a job well done!

IFNU's Sgt. Ashcroft was blanketed during a ceremony to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the North Vancouver First Nations Court, held on May 22nd at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre. It was a pleasure to stand with Melvin Jacobs, who was recognized by Judge Challenger as a graduate of that court.

IFNU was honoured to be asked to escort those who carried the Pride flag from the water to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Office. We are proud to have been invited to attend the event, and of our IFNU family member Andrew!

IFNU members want to remind community members that Crime Stoppers is a safe and anonymous way to provide information to help the police. The app allows for tips to be texted anonymously, just scan the app code to load. IFNU encourages the use of Crime Stoppers to report elder abuse, serious crimes, or that drug dealer whom everyone knows is dealing. That licence plate, vehicle description, phone number might just be what helps the police take action.

This weekend, INFU took part in Skipper Training at Fort Langley (Brae Island). Master Trainers Dave and Luc from Ridge Wilderness taught 18 canoe enthusiasts the essentials of how to be a skipper Great work to all the participants! I enjoyed seeing all your smiling faces as Big Wave Dave took you through the paces. Can’t wait to see you out on the water! #PaddlesUp #PullingTogether2019 #Tla’amin

Yesterday, Cst Kevin Goodmurphy from WVPD tagged along with IFNU. Kevin is the newly promoted Communications Officer (Media) for West Vancouver Police Department. He assumed the role after Cst. Jeff Palmer moved to The Community Service Team. As Kevin has grown up on the north shore, I was amazed at how many lasting connections he has made over the years. I felt like I was on a campaign trail watching Kevin shake hands and smile for photos. Great work Kevin! When you a...re done as The Communications Officer, IFNU would love to have you join our ranks. Follow Kevin in his new role on Twitter @GoodmurphyWVPD and on our the main account @WestVanPolice Kevin can be found on Instagram as well @westvanpolice

A very exciting game between the Tsleil-Waututh U17 Boys and the Surrey Redskins at the recent Squamish Nation Basketball Tournament. Great job boys, and great coaching Henry!

The Pulling Together Canoe Society hosted a Skippers retreat/canoe awakening this weekend. Ch’ich’iyuy (WVPD), The Sturgeon Warrior (DFO), The Coyote (DFO) and Spirit of The Salmon (Collingwood House) were the four canoes that were awakened at DFO’s research Center in West Vancouver. After the ceremony, our gracious hosts treated everyone to a wonderful meal. Thank you Elan, Cher, Raquel and all of you at DFO that made this event happen! Squamish Nation Elder/Cultural Advi...sor, Alroy Baker, conducted the awakening ceremony. Thanks Uncle Buck! Principal Carolyn Roberts from Capilano Little Ones brought her staff and students to partake and observe in the event. Thank you Special C! Shortly after the meal, the four canoes hit the water and made their way to Ambleside Beach.The skippers quickly set up their teepee to spend the night (Unfortunately the wind decided to try and blow us away!) Big thanks to our friends at Hollyburn Sailing Club for letting us convene at your awesome building and special thanks to George Sieppe and his wonderful staff/family that prepared our meals. We look forward to The Pulling Together Journey in July hosted by The Tla’amin Nation!