Officers from the RCMP participated in a traditional Indigenous ceremony earlier this month.

In an effort to move towards reconciliation, a number of RCMP officers joined Qalipu First Nation Elder Kenny Bennett and Mi’kmaw Knowledge Keeper Arlene Blanchard White in a ceremony known as a “sweat”.

During a sweat, rocks, called grandfathers, are heated and water is poured on them to create steam inside an enclosed lodge—this one located at RCMP Headquarters in St. John’s.

The sweat lodge is available to everyone, and those looking to arrange a sacred sweat can do so by contacting the RCMP NL Indigenous and Community Policing Services Unit.