Winnipeg security firm launches Indigenous ambassador program

An Indigenous community advocate, Viv Ketchum, has been appointed as an ambassador for Impact Security Group at a downtown Winnipeg Dollarama. The initiative aims to act as a bridge between security personnel and community members to foster cultural sensitivity and de-escalate confrontations.

The program follows a February incident at the Portage Avenue store where a security guard allegedly used brass knuckles to assault an Indigenous man. Since Ketchum began her role, store staff have reported a significant decline in violence, shoplifting, and workplace incidents, noting a calmer environment for both employees and customers.

Ron D'Errico, president and CEO of Impact Security Group, stated that the program is the first of its kind in Manitoba. He expressed intentions to expand the initiative to other retailers and communities, with plans to hire up to 20 additional ambassadors to assist security guards in managing challenges through mediation and cultural understanding.