Knowledge is only the beginning. Discover why developing intercultural skills is essential to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.
By Laura Newcombe
The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) commemorated National Indigenous History Month by hosting its latest Network Webinar Series, From Engagement to Relations: Building Trust with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Communities, on June 24, 2026.
The session explored three key stages of building trust, beginning with Indigenous cultures and worldviews and how they differ from dominant Western perspectives.
The session was led by Jennifer David, a senior consultant and lead on Truth and Reconciliation with the NVision Insight Group. Participants were guided to examine essential intercultural skills, such as self-awareness, communication, and adaptability, before grounding these concepts in the practical realities of respecting Indigenous rights and community protocols.
“Knowing about Indigenous cultures and world views is the foundation, but that knowledge alone is not enough,” says David. “Knowledge without capacity is just awareness.”
The session welcomed 100 participants from 38 different services and organizations located in eight different provinces. 93 per cent of the post-webinar survey respondents learned something new while watching.
This hour-long webinar introduces topics that can be explored further in The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada. For a limited-time, it is being offered for just $66 (60% off) plus tax until July 31, 2026.
This program is a first step toward responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action for Canadians to receive “cultural competency training.” It includes narrated visuals, reflection questions, interactive exercises, and knowledge checks. At the end of the program, learners will receive a certificate of completion.
Learn more about The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada.
The CPKN Network Webinar Series is hosted approximately six times per year and is an opportunity for police and public safety services across the country to learn about new, emerging, and topical trends in the community. The webinar collaborates with subject matter experts, police and public safety services, not-for-profit organizations, and groups to form the topics on this series.
