At what’s being described as a historic day for the RCMP, today eagle feathers were presented to officers, a symbolic gesture but one with real-world application.

Indigenous Policing Officer Brad Squires described it as turning back to the clock hundreds of years, to start again as equal partners working together.

The eagle feathers can be presented to witnesses testifying, victims, suspects, and officers alike to take an oath, as one might swear on a bible or affirmation. Newfoundland and Labrador is only the third province to do so.

At RCMP headquarters, they raise their indigenous policing flag and held a smudging ceremony as well.

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Emotions were high, for officers and indigenous attendees alike. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry made clear that policing has often had a violent, destructive effect on these communities.

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Odelle Pike of the Aboriginal Women’s Network said today’s presentation recognizes the need to treat Aboriginal cultures with respect, and is a sign that we’re finally heading in the right direction.

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