On June 21 at 9:00 a.m., RCMP NL Chief Superintendent Garrett Woolsey will be joined by Premier Ball, Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental and Indigenous Affairs; representatives of First Light Friendship Centre; representatives of Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network (NAWN) and employees of RCMP NL for a special flag raising of the Indigenous Policing Services Ensign at RCMP Headquarters to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Following the flag raising, NAWN will present the RCMP with smudge bowls, for use at significant Indigenous events and ceremonies, as well as eagle feathers to be provided to every RCMP Detachment in Newfoundland and Labrador. For the first time in the province's history, RCMP Detachments will be able to offer victims, witnesses, suspects and police officers the option to swear legal oaths on an eagle feather. The eagle feather will be used the same way as the Bible or affirmation is currently used.
In cooperation with Indigenous Peoples' national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples' culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or about this day.
Members of the media are invited to attend.