The Stoney Nakoda RCMP hosted the Soaring Eagles Indigenous Youth Day Camp at the Chief Goodstoney Rodeo Centre on Aug. 26 to introduce First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth to a career in law enforcement, emergency response, and community involvement. 

This camp provided both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities, with the objective of:

  • Educating youth about personal safety and wellness;
  • Introducing Indigenous youth to a career in the RCMP;
  • Promoting community safety and involvement; and
  • Encouraging youth to explore their own personal life goals through exposure to careers and volunteering in community safety and emergency response.

Members of the Cochrane Boys and Girls Club were invited to the community, where they partnered with youth from Stoney Nakoda First Nation to learn about a career with the RCMP while establishing a mutually respectful relationship. 

These youth were able to learn about what it is like in the Operations Communication Centre, what is required during the recruiting process, and were able to interact with Police Dog Services K9 Hunter and his handler Cpl. Cook. 

“We feel that reconciliation plays an important role as we continue to improve our service delivery to the Stoney Nakoda people,” says Inspector Dave Brunner of the Cochrane RCMP. “Assisting with the establishment of partnerships between terrific organizations such as the Cochrane Boys and Girls Club and Stoney Nakoda while at the same time promoting the next generation to join our ranks in serving the community is yet another example of that commitment.”

Stoney Nakoda Elder Jackson Wesley, who is also a member of the RCMP Chaplaincy program, opened the day with a prayer. He and his wife Brenda Wesley were welcomed to the camp with a presentation by District Commander C/Sup Trevor Daroux.