RCMP NL, in partnership with Indigenous leaders and knowledge keepers, held a traditional ceremony known as a "sweat" at the sweat lodge located on the grounds of RCMP Headquarters in St. John's.
The sweat held on October 19 was conducted by Indigenous Elder and member of the Qalipu First Nation, Kenny (Mutchie) Bennett, and Mi'kmaw woman and Knowledge Keeper, Arlene Blanchard White. During the ceremony, rocks, called grandfathers in honour of Indigenous ancestors, are heated and water is poured on them to create steam inside of the enclosed lodge. The ceremony is a sacred and spiritual tradition of First Nations Peoples, and the lodge is a safe space for self-reflection and prayer. The RCMP thanks Mr. Bennett and Ms. White for continuing to share their knowledge and traditions with RCMP members and employees, and conducting the ceremony for those who participated.
Originally constructed at RCMP Headquarters in 2019, the sweat lodge is built by hand from alder branches and is covered with blankets and tarps. The lodge is a connection to the Indigenous traditions and Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. The establishment of this permanent structure and the functional use of the sweat lodge are important, tangible steps in the reconciliation process. It reflects the commitment of the RCMP to engaging with Indigenous communities in respectful and meaningful ways.
Participants in the sweat on Wednesday included Amelia Reimer, Indigenous artist and advocate; RCMP NL employees Courtney MacDonald, Celena Fizzard, Sergeant Crystal Leighton and Constable April Gavel of Indigenous and Community Policing Services, and Sergeant Troy Bennett, who is based out of the Bay St. George RCMP Detachment and is a member of the Qalipu First Nation. RCMP NL Commanding Officer Jennifer Ebert presented Kenny (Mutchie) Bennett and Arlene Blanchard White, as well as fire keeper Gerard Alexander and helper in-training, Jordan Lawrence, with ceremonial tabrack blankets and a tobacco offering as gifts of appreciation.
The sweat lodge is available for use not only by the RCMP, but all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Community groups or others are welcome to contact the RCMP NL Indigenous and Community Policing Services Unit to arrange to participate in a sacred 'sweat' ceremony in the lodge. For more information on ceremonies, please contact Sergeant Crystal Leighton at (709) 772-5268 or Constable April Gavel at (709) 772-2571.