Backwoods Security Services

We’re proud to recognize one of our team members (Joseph) for their outstanding performance and commitment to their role. Their dedication, professionalism, and consistent delivery of high-quality service have not gone unnoticed.

In fact, our client recently reached out to share how pleased they are with the level of service being provided—something we value greatly and never take for granted. Feedback like this speaks volumes about the effort and pride our team brings to their work every day.

Thank you for setting the standard and representing our company so well. Your hard work makes a real difference, and we’re grateful to have you on the team.

On March 10, members of Edmonton Police Service (EPS) returned to Chief Aranazhi High School at Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation for the second session with students as part of an ongoing initiative focused on youth engagement, education, and building pathways toward careers in policing and community safety.

This unique collaboration between Edmonton Police Service, Backwoods Security Services, and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is designed to create meaningful dialogue with students while highlighting opportunities for Indigenous youth who may be interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement or community protection in the future.

The goal of these presentations is to provide students with practical knowledge about safety, decision-making, and the realities of policing while keeping the sessions educational, engaging, and interactive. Officers also encouraged students to participate, ask questions, and share their perspectives throughout the presentations.

Presentation topics included:

🔹 Drug and Gang Awareness (Target Group Presentation)

Officers discussed the risks associated with drug and gang activity and emphasized the importance of exercising caution around negative influences. Students learned about the long-term impact of becoming involved in these environments and the value of making positive choices and associations.

🔹 Oskayak Academy & Youth Recruit Academy Programs

EPS representatives introduced students to the Oskayak Academy and Youth Recruit Academy programs, which provide mentorship, leadership development, and a potential pathway for Indigenous youth who are interested in pursuing policing careers.

🔹 Sports and Mental Health Supports for Police Members

Students were given insight into the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and mental health supports for police officers. Officers discussed how sports, wellness programs, and peer support play an important role in maintaining balance and resilience in the profession.

🔹 Internet Safety Presentation

Younger students learned about the potential risks associated with the internet and social media. Officers focused on helping students recognize unsafe situations online, protect their personal information, and understand how online activity can have real-world consequences.

🔹 Show & Tell / Q&A – Police Equipment Demonstration

The session concluded with an interactive period where students were able to view standard and specialized policing equipment, learn the purpose of each tool, and ask officers questions about how they are used in real-world situations.

Backwoods Security Services is proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen relationships between law enforcement and Indigenous communities while inspiring the next generation of leaders who may one day choose careers dedicated to protecting and serving their communities.

We are proud to share that on February 23, the Edmonton Police Service hosted the first of four engagement sessions with senior high students at Chief Aranazhi High School for the 2026 school year.
This marks the beginning of a powerful and meaningful collaboration between EPS and Backwoods Security Services — an Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation owned company — focused on creating an Indigenous law enforcement pathway for students.
Together, we are working to ensure Indigenous youth can see policing as:
✔ A positive and respected career choice
✔ A pathway to leadership
✔ A way to create lasting, sustainable impact within their own communities
This initiative is about representation, mentorship, and long-term opportunity. It’s about building trust and empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders in law enforcement.
Backwoods Security is truly grateful to everyone who helped bring this initiative to life:
• Constable Aaron Fiaconni, EPS
• Constable Janet Brennan, EPS
• Abby Sly, EPS Indigenous Relations Advisor
• Sheldon Couillonneur, Principal, Chief Aranazhi High School
• Cameron Alexis, Councillor, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
• Dario Gnoato, CEO, Backwoods Energy Services
This is just the beginning — and we’re excited for what the next three sessions will bring.
If you believe in building pathways, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities, we invite you to follow along and engage with us.