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.
The smudging ceremony begins. pic.twitter.com/XoSCklk5tk
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019
And the indigenous flag is raised. pic.twitter.com/cau6jK9KVa
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019
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.
Indigenous Policing Officer Brad Squires says he's been nervous to speak at the event today, because it's one of the most important things he's ever done.
He says the presentation and use of eagle feathers is history in the making. pic.twitter.com/2PdXvxQ7Dz
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019
Next is the presentation of eagle feathers.
It's not just for show. These feathers will be used to swear legal oaths, the same way the bible or affirmation is used. pic.twitter.com/xqXqrBAKMO
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019
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.
The feathers will be carried in these special folders.
Squires says the significance can't be understated.
The feathers will go to Labrador detachments to serve indigenous communities within their own cultures, on their terms. pic.twitter.com/M0IYWJVleS
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) June 21, 2019
