'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.