St. Albert, AB: On Wednesday, February 10th, 2016, senior members of the RCMP in central Alberta participated in a Healing Circle held in the cultural room at Poundmaker’s Lodge in St. Albert. The event was a collaborative effort on the part of Poundmaker’s Lodge, the TD Bank and the RCMP in Alberta. It followed concerns raised by the executive of Poundmaker’s Lodge regarding the response of the RCMP to a call for service at the TD Bank and the RCMP’s interaction with staff and clients of the Poundmaker’s Lodge on the afternoon of February 5th, 2016.
RCMP Inspector Honey Dwyer, Officer in Charge of Aboriginal Policing Services for the Alberta RCMP said, “It was my honour and privilege, and the RCMP’s, to participate in a cultural ceremony with Poundmaker’s Lodge Executive Director Mr. Brad Cardinal, his team and clients, as well as senior TD Bank officials. We came together with the shared objective of reconciliation in a culturally meaningful way, with understanding and a commitment to continue dialogue to enhance positive relationships. I was touched by the emotions expressed by all, and look forward to formalizing an action plan that continues to build upon this first step”.
The meeting was also attended by St. Albert RCMP acting Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Bruce Bracken, and Aboriginal Policing Services Liaison NCO, Sergeant Alex Courtorielle. A future meeting date has yet to be scheduled.