RFP: Cultural Framework & Training Program for Manitoba First Nations Police Service

DAKOTA OJIBWAY TRIBAL COUNCIL POLICE COMMISSION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Cultural Framework & Ongoing Cultural Training Program Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS)

1. Introduction

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) invites qualified individuals, organizations, educational institutions, and cultural knowledge providers to submit proposals to design, develop, and deliver a comprehensive, progressive, and ongoing Cultural Framework and Cultural Training Program.

This program must reflect, honour, and integrate the distinct cultures, languages, histories, teachings, and experiences of the Ojibway/Anishinaabe, Dakota, and Cree First Nations communities served by the MFNPS.

The program will be delivered to all sworn officers, recruits, leadership, and professional staff, supporting the MFNPS commitment to cultural safety, respectful community engagement, and Indigenous-informed policing practices.

2. Background

The MFNPS serves 12 First Nations across Manitoba, originally established as the Dakota Ojibway Police Department in 1974. MFNPS has expanded over time to include communities represented by the Dakota, Ojibway/Anishinaabe, and Cree Nations.

The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission (DOTC) has defined a Cultural Framework Strategy in consultation with Police Commissioners, MFNPS leadership, officers, and staff.

The key to this strategy is the creation of a long-term training program which:

• Ensures that the MFNPS becomes a culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive police service that honours the unique histories, values, strengths, and needs of the Ojibway/Anishinaabe, Dakota, and Cree Nations.
• That supports member competency based on continuous learning, reflection, and cultural growth.

3. Objectives of the Cultural Training Program

The selected proponent will develop and deliver a program that will:

• Build cultural competency, humility, and awareness across all levels of the MFNPS.
• Reflect the unique histories, teachings, values, governance systems, and languages of the Ojibway/Anishinaabe, Dakota, and Cree Nations.
• Strengthen trust and connection between MFNPS and the communities it serves.
• Provide experiential and land‑based learning connected to First Nations worldviews.
• Support trauma‑informed, culturally safe policing practices.
• Establish a living curriculum with ongoing updates informed by community guidance.
• Incorporate Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and community voices throughout all stages.

4. Scope of Work The selected proponent will be responsible for:

A. Curriculum Development

• Co-develop a Cultural Framework and Training Program grounded in the community engagement summary.
• Create modules for recruits, sworn officers, civilian staff, leadership, and specialized roles.
• Include teachings on Indigenous history, land‑based learning, ceremonies, governance, language, trauma‑informed practice, and community‑specific protocols.
• Develop an etiquette guide for each MFNPS community.
• Create blended learning materials (in‑person, online modules, videos, podcasts, guides, scenarios).

B. Community Engagement

• Engage Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and community representatives from each Nation.
• Facilitate community meetings to gather teachings, protocols, and histories.
• Ensure training content is co-created and validated by communities.

C. Program Delivery

• Deliver ongoing training (monthly, quarterly, annual components).
• Provide immersive, experiential, and land-based learning opportunities.
• Deliver a one‑week cultural integration module for recruits annually.
• Provide train‑the‑trainer sessions to MFNPS internal champions.

D. Evaluation and Reporting

• Create practical measurement tools (pre/post surveys, qualitative evaluation, community feedback).
• Provide biannual progress reports.
• Provide an annual summary on program effectiveness, participation, and recommendations.

5. Deliverables

Deliverables include but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive Cultural Framework document (living document).
• Curriculum and training modules (digital and print).
• Community-specific etiquette guides.
• Multimedia materials (videos, podcasts, scenario scripts, worksheets).
• Annual and ongoing training schedules.
• Evaluation framework and measurement tools.
• Annual report with recommendations for updates and improvements.

6. Proponent Qualifications

Proponents should demonstrate:

• Deep knowledge and lived experience related to Ojibway/Anishinaabe, Dakota, and Cree cultures.
• Strong relationships or experience working with Manitoba First Nations communities.
• Experience designing cultural, educational, or land-based programs.
• Ability to collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in respectful, culturally appropriate ways.
• Experience working with police services, justice systems, or trauma‑informed training (preferred).
• Capacity to produce professional quality training materials and deliver ongoing programming.
• Strong facilitation and community engagement skills.

7. Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

1. Cover Letter
2. Organizational or Individual Profile
3. Approach & Methodology
4. Workplan and Timeline
5. Detailed Budget
6. Experience & Qualifications
7. References (minimum of three)
8. Examples of previous related work (if applicable)

8. Budget Expectations MFNPS expects a detailed costing model that may include:

• Curriculum development fees
• Cultural advisors / Elders honoraria
• Travel to MFNPS communities
• Materials, multimedia production, software
• Facilitation and delivery costs
• Annual refresh/update costs

9. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated using:

• Cultural relevance and authenticity
• Demonstrated understanding of MFNPS communities
• Methodology and workplan quality
• Experience and qualifications
• Community engagement approach
• Cost-effectiveness
• Elder/Knowledge Keeper involvement
• Capacity to deliver ongoing multi-year programming

10. Submission Details

Proposals must be submitted electronically.

To: Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission

Attention of: Police Commission Secretary

Email: PCSecretary@mfnp.ca

Deadline: February 27, 2026 @ 1630 hrs.

Late submissions may not be considered.
11. Terms and Conditions

The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all proposals
• Seek clarification from proponents
• Negotiate scope or pricing
• Award the contract in whole or in part
• Cancel the RFP at any time