This morning, Saskatchewan RCMP officers raised the Métis Nation flag to the sound of the Métis national anthem in front of Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters in Regina and in front of Saskatoon RCMP and Prince Albert RCMP buildings to honour Louis Riel Day.
In Regina, the Métis Nation flag replaced the Saskatchewan RCMP ensign and joined the Canada and Saskatchewan flags in front the Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters. The Métis Nation flag was raised by Métis Saskatchewan RCMP officer Chief Superintendent Tyler Bates. The flag raising ceremony included a prayer as well as brief statements about the enduring relationship between Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan RCMP.
Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said:
"On behalf of the Saskatchewan RCMP, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to the recognition of the rights and culture of the Métis, and to the continuation of our relationship – a friendship based on respect and cooperation. Since 2017, we have been raising the Métis Nation flag at the Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters on Louis Riel Day. By doing so, we officially recognize the contributions Louis Riel made to our province and country, and renew our longstanding relationship with the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan."
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Western Region 3 Regional Director Wendy Gervais said:
"It's a real honour to be standing here, to be continuing this relationship with the RCMP. Because we've had our struggles in that past. And we've acknowledged those struggles. We've acknowledged that true Reconciliation is not about pointing fingers, it's about working together. It's about making this province, our communities a much better and stronger place to live. Reaffirming our relationship, reaffirming our partnership, molding that partnership, ensuring that we are walking hand in hand as partners, that's true Reconciliation."
The Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Indigenous Policing Services, Inspector Dustin Ward, offered traditional tea, jam and an RCMP blanket to Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Western Region 3 Regional Director Wendy Gervais to thank her for attending the ceremony and for playing a part in the Reconciliation with the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In Saskatoon, the Métis Nation flag replaced the Saskatchewan RCMP ensign and joined the Canada flag in front of the Saskatoon RCMP Building on Brand Place. The Métis Nation flag was raised by Métis Saskatchewan RCMP officer Staff Sergeant Deon Marquis. The flag raising ceremony included a prayer by a local Métis Elder as well as brief statements from Saskatchewan RCMP Central District Commander Superintendent Honey Dwyer and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum about looking forward to be working closer together in the near future. Corporal Con Lerat from the Saskatchewan RCMP Indigenous Policing Services offered an RCMP blanket, tea and his wife's homemade jam to the local Métis Elder and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum in recognition of their Reconciliation efforts with the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In Prince Albert, the Métis Nation flag replaced the Saskatchewan RCMP ensign and joined the Canada and Saskatchewan flags in front of the Prince Albert RCMP Support Services Building on 9th Avenue. The Métis Nation flag was raised by Métis Saskatchewan RCMP officer Staff Sergeant Dwayne Whitford. The flag raising ceremony included a prayer, the playing of Amazing Grace on the fiddle by Prince Albert Police Service Constable Dean Smith as well as brief statements from Saskatchewan RCMP North District Commander Superintendent Ted Munro and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Western Region 2 Regional Director Sherry McLennan about looking forward to be working together in the near future.
Staff Sergeant Brian Kelly from the Saskatchewan RCMP Indigenous Policing Services said:
"The Prince Albert area, where the battles of Batoche and Duck Lake were fought, is rich with Métis Nation and NWMP history. For this reason, the raising of the Métis Nation flag for the first time in front the Prince Albert RCMP Support Services Building is a particularly meaningful event for all of us."
S/Sgt. Kelly offered Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Western Region 2 Regional Director Sherry McLennan an RCMP blanket and a traditional gift of jam and wild chaga and mint tea harvested by himself and his fiancé. In return, he was presented with a much-appreciated gift of the Métis sash.