Historical events in RCMP-Indigenous relations

The RCMP has a long, sometimes difficult history with Indigenous communities in Canada that dates back some 145 years. As we move towards our 150^th anniversary in 2023, we're committed to positive change – which includes renewing our vital relationships with Indigenous peoples. To promote better understanding and respect, we've taken several important steps to:

• strengthen collaboration with Indigenous peoples
• improve community policing and Indigenous recruitment
• support healing and reconciliation

This timeline includes historical events that contributed to our relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities.

• 1873: The Government of Canada established the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) which would become the RCMP in 1920. The NWMP police officers were considered agents of the Crown enforcing federal policies and legislation.
• 1874: The North West Mounted Police (NWMP) deploys to Western Canada. It employs Métis as guides and interpreters.
• 1875: The NWMP first employs First Nations and Métis people as "scouts".
• 1877: As one of the two Treaty Commissioners acting for the Crown and the Government of Canada, NWMP Commissioner James Macleod negotiates and signs Treaty No.7.
• 1885: Louis Riel, Métis leader largely responsible for bringing Manitoba into Confederation, was controversially hanged at the North West Mounted Police barracks in Regina for his role in the Red River and Northwest resistances. On Louis Riel Day (November 16), Saskatchewan RCMP raise the Métis Nation flag to honour Riel's life.
• 1892: NWMP discontinues the "scout" employee category, excepting several scouts employed as interpreters. It employs First Nations and Métis people as Special Constables.
• 1904: To further recognize the service of the Force for the Crown, King Edward VII proclaims the Force as the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP).
• 1920: The Government of Canada amalgamates the RNWMP and the Dominion Police to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• 1933: The Indian Act legally appoints RCMP officers as "truant officers" to enforce attendance and return truant children to residential schools.
• 1936: The RCMP begins referring to Inuit employees in Arctic detachments as Special Constables, an official rank.
• 1953 and 1955: The RCMP, acting as representatives of the Department of Resources and Development, moved Inuit from Inukjuak (formerly called Port Harrison) in Northern Quebec, and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), in what is now Nunavut, to settle two locations on the High Arctic islands.
• 1960s: The RCMP begins to expand its role in Indigenous communities beyond law enforcement (e.g., giving school presentations).
• 1973: The RCMP establishes the Native Special Constable Program to recruit more Indigenous members.
• 1989: The RCMP converts Native Special Constables to Regular Member status.
• 1990: The RCMP forms the Commissioner's National Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
• 1990s: The RCMP establishes a dedicated Aboriginal Policing Directorate, the group known today as RCMP-Indigenous Relations Services.
• 1991: The Government of Canada establishes the First Nations Policing Program.
• 1994: The Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Program begins. It allows Indigenous candidates to spend three weeks at Depot to learn policing skills.
• 2003: The RCMP identifies Aboriginal communities as a strategic priority.
• 2004: RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli publicly apologizes for the RCMP's role in the Residential School System.
• 2006: The RCMP creates the Aboriginal Community Constable program. It becomes the Community Constable Program in 2013.
• 2008: The RCMP establishes Métis Community Liaisons in the divisions.
• 2010: : All new constables must complete the Aboriginal and First Nations Awareness course.
• 2011: The RCMP produces its report "The role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during the Indian Residential School system".
• 2012: The RCMP unveils its Aboriginal Policing Ensign.
• 2014: At the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's National Event, Commissioner Bob Paulson apologizes for the RCMP's role in the Residential School system.
• 2014: The RCMP produces the "Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview" and subsequent 2015 update to the National Overview.
• 2016: The Assembly of First Nations and the RCMP sign a Relationship Building Protocol. Objectives include reconciliation and relationship building consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
• 2017: The Depot curriculum incorporates Indigenous cultural training, the Blanket Exercise.
• 2017: The RCMP unveils the Eagle Feather initiative in Nova Scotia. Shortly after, the feathers are distributed to all 54 detachments in Nova Scotia.
• 2017: Working Together to End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls report released.
• 2017: The RCMP signs an agreement to return Métis artifacts.
• 2018: Commissioner Brenda Lucki apologizes to the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls at the National Inquiry.
• 2018: The RCMP introduces its Eagle staff.
• 2018: The RCMP officially unveils the first permanent sweat lodge at headquarters in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
• 2019: : RCMP begins restorative justice referrals.
• 2019: The RCMP in Manitoba adopts the Eagle Feather initiative.
• 2019: RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki participates in a land transfer ceremony to honour and commemorate the Regina Indian Industrial School cemetery where at least 35 children were buried.
• 2019: The Federal government apologies to Baffin Inuit for sled dog killings and forced relocations.
• 2020: Statement by Commissioner Brenda Lucki on systemic racism in the RCMP.
• 2020: New Brunswick and PEI RCMP and MCPEI adopt the Eagle Feather initiative.
• 2021: Saskatchewan RCMP are now holders of the eagle feather.
• 2021: RCMP signs historic agreement with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to reduce violence against Inuit women, children and gender-diverse persons.

Date modified:

2019-07-23