Edmonton Guardian Angels joined by first Aboriginal member

The Guardian Angels have been patrolling Edmonton for the past three years, but four months ago the group was joined by a new member who brings a unique quality to their work.

Jason Peters is the only First Nations member of the Edmonton Chapter of the Guardian Angels. The volunteer safety patrol conducts walks in several neighbourhoods of the city, rides the LRT during football and hockey games, and is nearby any time events are held in and around Rexall Place. Members move around in groups of three to six.

“Prior to each walk we call the city police, let them know what area we’re doing, and how many members are on hand at the time,” said Peters. “We’re not the type that’s going to go muscle people, that’s not what we’re about. We’re about helping individuals.  If we’re coming around the corner and (someone) is being physically or sexually assaulted we’re going to step in and be the help that that person needs, without using any type of unnecessary force.”

Peters, a security coordinator for round dances, powwows and other Native gatherings, knew about the Guardian Angels, but had never checked them out. During an event at Gordon Russell’s Crystal Kids Youth Centre this past summer, he met four volunteers with the organization including the Edmonton chapter leader.
In the four months Peters has been patrolling with the Guardian Angels, he hasn’t come across any serious incidents.

“Often it’s just being asked, ‘Who are you guys and what are you all about,’ and as we talk about it people get more interested. There have been a few times when people saw us walking and have said, ‘Wow, I haven’t seen you guys around before, I’m glad you guys are here.’ So my hope is to get more people involved. It doesn’t need to be First Nations people but that would be great. Presently we’re all male members, so it would be nice to get some female members as well because we do interact with women also.”

Many of the Edmontonians the Guardian Angels interact with are Aboriginal people.

“It’s the comfort level that I’ve noticed. Out of all the people we deal with a good majority are First Nations people. As a First Nations person myself, I’m kind of like the ice breaker. That comfort level, that openness makes it easier for them to approach us. That’s what makes me proud to do what I’m doing, being a First Nations member of the Guardian Angels when we do patrols.”

Bridging the cultural divide goes the other way as well. Peters has taken one member of the Guardian Angels with him to a powwow and four others to sweat lodge ceremonies.

The Guardian Angels not only conduct safety patrols, but try to make Edmonton a safer community through speaking engagements at schools and for non-profit organizations.

“I am proud to be a member of the Guardian Angels for the Edmonton Chapter without a doubt,” said Peters. “It`s a good experience and a good feeling.”