The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to concerns raised by community leaders in Pikangikum First Nation about the way officers handled a recent incident involving a school threat.

The Pikangikum Education Authority says the Pikangikum Police Detachment received an anonymous phone call the morning of March 2, where the caller indicated something was happening at Eenchokay Birchstick School.

Two students at the school were immediately located and detained. Weapons were also recovered and secured as evidence, the education authority said in a statement March 10. The students’ ages have not been disclosed.

“In accordance with provincial and federal legislation and school board policies, the students were taken into custody and were facing potential charges related to possession of weapons on school property and related threats. The Pikangikum Education Authority took immediate action and expelled both students indefinitely,” it says.

However, community leaders were informed the evening of March 3 that “police involved in the incident had failed to follow proper procedures during the arrest,” resulting in a breach of the students’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As such, the Crown Attorney’s district office decided not to lay charges against the students, the education authority said.

“While we are grateful for their swift response and actions in preventing harm to our students and staff, chief and council, along with the Pikangikum Education Authority board of trustees, are very disappointed in how procedural aspects of this serious incident were mismanaged by the police service,” the statement says.

“In the view of chief and council, this situation powerfully illustrates that the justice system and its procedures are still failing First Nations people.” 

A spokesperson for the OPP provided CBC News with an emailed statement on Monday, saying it recognizes the concerns raised by the Pikangikum Education Authority.

“We are taking this situation seriously and are currently reviewing the matter. Additionally, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation into the incident at the school, and we want to acknowledge the responding officers’ efforts in preventing any harm to students and staff,” wrote regional media and communications officer Erin McCrea.

About 980 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 attend Eenchokay Birchstick School. It’s been closed since the incident occurred and is expected to reopen March 23, following March Break.

“We will be calling for a review of police procedures and accountability by the senior management of the police service and look forward to hearing how these mistakes will be prevented in the future,” the Pikangikum Education Authority said.

CBC News has requested an interview with Pikangikum’s leadership. 

Police investigation continues

More than 3,300 people live in Pikangikum First Nation, a remote Ojibwe community about 100 kilometres northwest of Red Lake.

According to the Independent First Nations Alliance, it’s the largest First Nation in the region.

“The OPP is ensuring involved individuals and impacted community members are receiving support and safety planning. We are also working with the Pikangikum Education Authority to strengthen security protocols and procedures at the school to help prevent future security and safety risks,” McCrea said.

In March 2021, Pikangikum’s chief and council expelled the OPP from the community over allegations of incidents involving police constables, saying trust between the community and OPP had been broken.

A month later, the OPP returned under a new agreement with the First Nation. 

“The OPP will continue their dialogue with the Pikangikum chief and council to ensure community concerns are addressed. The OPP remains committed to building upon our relationships of trust with Indigenous peoples and communities and to enhance overall community safety,” McCrea wrote on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Pikangikum Education Authority said it will provide an update about new safety initiatives in place before the school reopens.

“Potential preliminary measures identified include hiring additional day security, ensuring all interior and exterior doors at the school are locked and closed at all times, providing additional specialized training, and increased engagement by police including regular walk-throughs of the school property,” it says.