Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the truths of the past, a history flawed by injustices endured by Indigenous Peoples, and look toward healing, understanding, and building stronger relationships.
The RCMP has acknowledged its role in the injustices experienced and recognizes the hurt and mistrust that exists as a result. This crucial understanding of the past informs our steps on the journey to Reconciliation and our commitment to building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with Indigenous communities now and for generations to come.
Reconciliation, by definition, is a journey of understanding, acceptance, and unity. It represents an effort to bridge gaps, mend relationships, and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding – strengthening everyone as a result.
We have a collective responsibility to acknowledge our past, learn from it, and move forward with a deeper sense of kinship.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a reminder that the RCMP’s past history is one we need to learn from so that our future is one of unity and shared aspirations.
I’m encouraged by some of the actions we’ve taken thus far as an organization, such as investing in training and education to foster cultural understanding and empathy, engaging with Indigenous leaders to build bridges of trust and collaboration, and examining our recruitment policies to begin to ensure equitable access to the RCMP.
I will continue to champion the work toward Reconciliation nationally and in our Division.