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.

The Town has outlined its plan to reopen the Badlands Community Facility.
Late March 1, 2021, the Province of Alberta announced the easing of restrictions under Step 2 of the Path Forward Plan. Step 2 includes updated health measures for indoor fitness.
The staff at the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) have worked through the new measures, resulting in a modified reopening plan at a reduced entry fee.
The BCF will reopen on a modified schedule beginning March 8, 2021. Users can expect the following during Step 2:
•Facility will be open for Monday – Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays until further notice.
•Online reservations will be made available for users to reserve their time as of Friday, March 5 at 1 p.m.
•Members will be able to phone the BCF as of Monday, March 8 between the hours of 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. to reserve their fitness time
•Reservations only; drop-in use is not permitted in Step 2
•Field house is only available for bookings in Step 2
•Youth groups to a maximum of 10 (including coaches/instructors) can book the field house
•Physical distancing of 3 Metres is required at all times when in the fitness areas and field house
•Masks must be worn while in the facility and during low-intensity fitness
• Low-intensity individual and group exercises are now allowed without a trainer.
• Low-intensity fitness includes activities not focused specifically on cardio, that have a low depth and rate of respiration.
• High-intensity activities are permitted for one-on-one or one-on-one household training only, with a trainer.
• High-intensity fitness is often focused on cardiovascular activities that have a high depth and rate of respiration. Examples include: bodybuilding/heavy weightlifting, aerobics, rowing, Zumba, bootcamp, circuit training, cross-fit, dance fitness, high-intensity interval training, kickboxing, spin, power yoga, etc The full breakdown of the restrictions can be found on the Enhanced Public Measures page on the Government of Alberta’s Website
•Participants are reminded to take the AHS Self-Assessment Tool before entering the facility.

“We will offer a daily admission rate of $5.00 to account for the restrictions in place,” shares Darren Goldthorpe, Manager of Recreation, Arts and Culture. “If a member sees more value to use their membership than paying the $5.00 daily rate, they have the option to reactivate their membership. We are truly excited to get staff back to work and allow the community back into the facility for their physical and mental wellness.”
Members are reminded that their membership passes will continue to be on hold until they wish to reactivate. Options for low-intensity fitness classes like yoga are being explored and will be updated on Drumheller.ca.
As of Monday, the Drumheller Public Library will also have the following services available:
•Monday through Friday curbside pick-up from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
•In-library access Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
•Curbside pick-up Saturdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.