Kwanlin Dün sets up tip line in Whitehorse to cut down on crime
'We had some things happen in our community which really opened our eyes'
A new phone service, operated by and for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, has been established in Whitehorse so people can report suspected crimes, without having to give their names.
"We had some things happen in our community which really opened our eyes," said Kwanlin Dün councillor Sean Smith, citing the deaths of Brandy Vittrekwa and Allan Waugh.
- 1 year later, Brandy Vittrekwa's death guides safety initiatives in Whitehorse
- Norine Vittrekwa remembers her daughter in our MMIW database
"Those incidents really changed the way we looked at things."
All calls are anonymous. Callers can leave a message on an answering machine about any possible crimes — anything from theft to assault, bootlegging and child protection issues.
Kwanlin Dün staff will decide what, if any, action needs to be taken.
Northwestel will provide the phone line free to Kwanlin Dün for a year.
The number to call is 867-456-TIPS (8477).
For all emergencies, callers should still call 911 for fire, ambulance or the RCMP.