Three quarters of First Nations police in Ontario report facing mental health challenges on the job

(Toronto, Ont.–May 12, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement (OFNPA), are releasing a report highlighting the dire situation faced by First Nations officers in Ontario and the urgent need for increased resources to support their mental health.

The study surveyed the OFNPA police services that are administered by the OPP and found that three quarters of officers have experienced a mental health issue on the job. More than a quarter of respondents having “poor” or “very poor” mental health in the six months prior to the survey and over 90 per cent of officers who take leave for psychological reasons remain off the job for more than a year, the report found.

These services are responsible for policing 17 First Nations across Ontario and play a vital role in community safety and wellbeing.

“The number of First Nations officers who are facing serious mental health challenges is deeply concerning,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Our officers are frequently forced to respond to calls alone and deal with difficult outcomes on their own. This is often due to an utter lack of support. First Nations officers deserve to be treated the same as any other officer in this province, with the same level of support.”

Researchers found that significant staffing and resource constraints, a lack of career opportunities and inadequate mental health supports are all contributing factors to poor mental health outcomes.

Ultimately, the report concludes, it’s the “colonial and racist” First Nations policing framework in Ontario that has “provided for nothing but gross and chronic underfunding and … longstanding inequitable treatment” that has led to disproportionately poor mental health outcomes for officers.

“Our communities deserve the same level of protection and care as any other in this province. But the officers who have dedicated their lives to making their communities better places can’t do that if they are suffering in anguish,” said Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians. “Where is the support, where is the outrage? We know that our officers care about their jobs and the people they serve. Let’s show them the same respect and make it clear that they can count on us to lift them up—just as they lift us up.”

The report notes that there are unique challenges and opportunities when officers are policing their own communities. Many officers take pride in serving those they know and love. But it can also lead to increased trauma and isolation. Many officers regularly respond to calls that involve friends and family.

The report makes 14 recommendations that could improve officers’ mental health outcomes and First Nations policing in Ontario. These include increasing staffing levels and job security, creating training and advancement opportunities and developing culturally based wellness supports.

“First Nations police officers face unique challenges compared to non-Indigenous police officers, often working alone in the communities they serve and managing complex social determinants of health,” said MPP Sol Mamakwa. “This government needs to support police services equally, no matter who they serve—today I’m calling on them to stand in support of First Nations officers.”

This is the first comprehensive mental health survey of OFNPA police services’ officers, even though other police forces in Ontario have studied their members’ mental health.

ABOUT THE REPORT

• The Mental Health Review of the OFNPA Police Services was prepared for the Chiefs of Ontario on behalf of the OFNPA Police Services.
• The study was conducted in 2024, with all 78 members of the OFNPA were invited to contribute. Over half, 48, members completed the survey about their experiences, and 32 individuals, including members, First Nations leaders, and representatives from the OPP, took part in discussions with the review team.

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh
Strategic Advocacy Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: (416) 522-4518
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org

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