P.E.I. RCMP reflect on local community relationships during Indigenous Awareness Week

May 21, 2020
Prince, Queens and Kings Counties, Prince Edward Island

News release

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Indigenous Awareness Week is celebrated across Canada this week and is meaningful to the RCMP across the country as well as here on Prince Edward Island. It's important that we take the time to reflect on the role the RCMP played throughout our history with Indigenous communities as we continue to learn and engage in the various approaches of reconciliation.

On P.E.I. the RCMP family are fortunate to have the insight of Cst. Mandy Barnaby, a 2010 graduate of RCMP training facility, Depot. After first serving in Baddeck which served Wagmatcook First Nation, N.S., she moved on to Elsipogtog First Nation in N.B. These postings along with her indigenous heritage provided Cst. Barnaby with insight into the importance of maintaining respectful relationships with fellow community members. She was part of the Restorative Justice Program, the Healing to Wellness Program and other aspects of collaboration. She took this wealth of experience to her post of Lennox Island where she conducted her normal general duties along with involvement in community events, Justice Forums and training with Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI). Cst. Barnaby sits on the Commanding Officer's Indigenous Advisory Committee along with community members. "Collaborating with community resources to identify and create programs that improve relations between our Indigenous communities and the RCMP seems like a genuine compellation of my previous work, passion and history," said Cst. Barnaby. "I am a proud Migmaq woman and proud to have served in Migmaq communities. It has been a source of pride to contribute to much needed focus on relations between the communities I have served and the RCMP."

When it comes to reconciliation, community engagement and partnerships, we can discover new ways each of us can contribute and benefit. Cst. Barnaby has met with the Cultural Director, MCPEI, and Chief Darlene Bernard towards a new program that could be added to the existing Indigenous Sensitivity Training currently offered by MCPEI. This would include a plan on community consultation on what reconciliation would look like for Indigenous communities on Prince Edward Island. These efforts will continue over the coming months.

The RCMP is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, communities and employees. This week, we celebrate their cultures and contributions.

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Contact information

SSM Hank Pollard
L Division (PEI) RCMP Indigenous Policing Services
902-566-7182

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