This week, 15 Indigenous youth from across Canada will be at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan for a Youth Leadership Workshop.
From February 12 to 17, 2024, youth will have an opportunity to learn how they can help keep their communities safe. The participants will be accompanied by an RCMP mentor from their community.
The theme of the workshop is "YOUnique" and will focus on exploring and celebrating our unique identities through discussions, engaging presentations by Indigenous speakers, cultural activities, and more.
During the workshop, with the help of their mentor, each participant will develop an action plan to help address a youth crime or victimization issue. When they return to their community, they will implement their plan with support from their local RCMP detachment. Past participants have organized activities such as community fishing trips to promote skills building and safe hobbies, or educational sessions to increase the awareness around youth crime issues.
The workshop will feature interactive sessions on topics such as mental health, bullying, online safety, drug-impaired driving, substance use, and healthy relationships. Youth will get to hear from well-known guest speakers, all while experiencing life at Depot.
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We're really grateful for the opportunity to work with youth from across Canada. Their perspectives are important to us, as well as those from their RCMP mentors, and we know it's a very meaningful experience for everyone involved. We're looking forward to another great workshop this week.
Quick facts
- Supporting youth is a strategic priority of the RCMP
- The RCMP strives to give youth positive learning experiences and interactions with police officers
- Through the workshop, youth develop skills and gain knowledge that help them become active partners in helping keep Canadian communities safe
- The RCMP has been hosting Youth Leadership Workshops since 2011