'The right steps': Sask. RCMP pre-cadet program offers glimpse into policing for Indigenous students
Every year, the Indigenous pre-cadet program at Depot Division in Regina offers a glimpse into the profession of policing. The program’s three week session attracted many Metis, Inuit and First Nations students.
"I knew I wanted to be police officer from a very young age,” Desmond Hunt, a pre-cadet from Pasqua First Nation, told CTV News.
Hunt is one of this year's 25 graduates from the Indigenous pre-cadet training program.
“It's one of our longest running recruit initiatives for Indigenous people,” Maureen Greyeyes-Brant, a corporal with the RCMP, explained.
“It's been around since 1994 ... it’s a way for us to increase the Indigenous representation within the organization."
Greyeyes herself was a graduate of the program all the way back in 1999, and now she works in Ottawa.
Experiences for the pre-cadets include staying in the dorms at Depot Division, dining in the mess hall and all-day training, much like the actual cadet program.
“I want them to have a really good view from many different Indigenous mentors about our careers,” Greyeyes explained.
“So when they do go on to our website and download the application, they know what they're up against."
Truth and Reconciliation and diversification are priorities for the RCMP and the program as a whole.
It’s a factor that Hunt recognizes.
“They're making the right steps and they're really trying and pushing to get those numbers up for Indigenous candidates," he said. "Because nobody knows how to be there for Indigenous peoples on reserve than other Indigenous people who have gone through the struggles of inter-generational trauma."
Inuit throat singing, drumming and singing were all featured at the session’s closing ceremony. As for Hunt, he see’s himself joining the cadet program very soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.