Constable John Gravengard has dedicated the past five years to serving the Musqueam community as a valued member of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Throughout his service, Cst. Gravengard has embodied the principles of the city’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the Musqueam people.  

Cst. Gravengard’s motivation to pursue a career in law enforcement stems from his challenging upbringing in East Vancouver, where he experienced both the positive and negative aspects of policing. His desire to be a voice for the voiceless and to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the public guides his approach to policing, emphasizing trust, understanding, and empathy. 

He is currently leading a project related to the Musqueam’s inherent right to create their own court and dispute resolution process. Based on research into the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act, Cst. Gravengard has drafted an Enforcement and Ticketing Law that will be submitted to the Musqueam chief and council for approval.  

In addition, Cst. Gravengard has led several impactful programs to address drug and alcohol abuse within the community. His initiatives include Youth Musqueam Nights, traffic safety improvements, and harm reduction events. These efforts have resulted in a 40 percent decrease in emergency calls and positive outcomes for community members, including a significant reduction in drug trafficking among youth. He has also spearheaded the organization of a golf event to raise funds for Musqueam Youth Golfers and to foster stronger community-police relationships. 

“I strongly believe that making a difference in even just one person’s life is a meaningful contribution to society.”