The Drumheller RCMP detachment has taken a step forward with the receipt of an eagle feather. This will allow Indigenous members of the community to swear legal documents at the detachment in their tradition.
Staff Sergeant Ed Bourque says he was contacted by Cpl. Colleen Skyrpan with the Indigenous Policing Unit of K Divison. He says this is a broader effort towards reconciliation.
“The Alberta RCMP aims to foster respectful, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and employees through fairness, honour, and in good faith as part of our Reconciliation efforts. The Eagle Feather Protocol is also a part of the RCMP’s commitment to create a more inclusive and relevant justice system for Indigenous people. The Alberta RCMP employees and clients, including victims and witnesses, now have the option to swear legal oaths on an eagle feather at some RCMP detachments in Alberta,” reads a statement from the RCMP.
The Alberta RCMP began its own Eagle Feather Initiative in 2018. When a client enters a detachment to provide a statement, they will now be given three options: to swear on a Bible, affirm or affirm with an eagle feather. The eagle feather may also be offered as a comforting item for a client when interacting with employees at the detachment. Should the client wish to use the eagle feather, it would be held by the client while providing their evidence or statement.
In January, the feather was hand-delivered to the detachment. Staff Sergeant Bourque reached out to the community. Carol Gogol, coordinator of the Indigenous Intervention Centre (IIC) at the Drumheller Institution, made arrangements to have the feather beaded by one of the attendees of the IIC, and Elder Ken Cardinal blessed the feather and provided sage and a seashell.
“He asked that when someone incorporates the Eagle Feather at the detachment in any of the circumstances, we encourage them to burn a small amount of sage and smudge first to honour the sacredness of the blessing and the Creator,” said Bourque.
The detachment thanked Gogol, the IIC, and Elder Cardinal with a pouch of tobacco and a donation. The IIC was not able to accept the monetary donation because of protocols and suggested they could donate it to a local charity.
On Tuesday, February 23, the RCMP presented the donation to The Salvation Army.
“Our detachment team is very proud of and excited about our new eagle feather, and what it means for us building better relationships within our community moving forward,” said Bourque.
