Chippewas of Rama First Nation featured in second season of police TV series
By Sam Laskaris
CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION – The second season of a TV series that is nationally broadcasted will focus on policing in Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
The series, called Tribal Police Files, is broadcast on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).
Season two will consist of 13 episodes, each one lasting 30 minutes. The Ojibwe episodes will start airing May 7. English episodes will begin on May 18.
The first season of Tribal Police Files was filmed in British Columbia and featured the work of the Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police, the only Indigenous police force in the province.
Tom Batisse, an inspector with the Rama Police Service, is thrilled series officials chose to feature his force in the second season of the TV show.
“I think it was a great opportunity,” he said. “It showcases First Nations policing – the dynamics of it and the importance of it.”
Batisse said discussions to include the Rama Police Service in the series began in 2017. Crews then filmed the series in 2018, during three separate shooting periods.
The first shoot was in April. Others followed during the summer.
“Each shoot was for a couple of weeks,” Batisse said.
Steve Sxwithul’txw, who is the producer and director of the series, said a handful of First Nations were considered to be showcased in the second season of Tribal Police Files.
Series representatives were rather thrilled they ended up working with the Rama force.
“Rama presented something unique for us,” Sxwithul’txw said, adding series officials were intrigued with the varying services the force provides. “It made it quite fascinating. It’s a service that has all the bells and whistles.”
The Rama force employs 19 individuals. The majority of them are featured at some point during the second season of Tribal Police Files.
“Two officers chose not to be involved,” Batisse said.
The series interviews Rama police officers about various cases they have encountered throughout their careers. Re-enacted scenes help tell those stories.
“Each episode is re-created with challenging files these officers have had,” Sxwithul’txw said.
“Some of the cases come from when they were with other departments as well.”
One episode includes an incident featuring a fatal car crash. Batisse felt it was important to include this event in the series.
“It’s to bring awareness to the seriousness of impaired driving,” he said.
Other episodes delve into the personal lives of the Rama police officers and go through various service calls they’ve experienced during their careers.
Indigenous culture plays a significant role in the episodes.
As a result, Tribal Police Files is unlike many other police shows on TV since it specifically deals with Indigenous police forces.
“There’s a real strong cultural component to it,” Batisse said.
Batisse added the series will increase awareness of Rama First Nation.
“I’d like to think Rama was already on the map,” he said. “This will enhance our identity and give it an opportunity to be showcased around the world.”
Batisse added those working on the show were respectful at all times, following proper procedures.
“They were very professional,” he said. “They worked with us. There was no one against the other.”
Sxwithul’txw said it’s not only Indigenous people who have taken an interest in the series.
“It’s nice to know there is a learning element to this series,” he said. “People of all ethnicities should watch it.”
The series concept is rather close to home for Sxwithul’txw, who previously worked as a police officer.
“As a police officer, I felt very underappreciated in the work I had to do,” he said.
Sxwithul’txw was the founder of the British Columbia-based Tsewultun First Nations Police Force. He also worked for the Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police and as a police transit official.