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Students from the Cst. Neil Bruce Middle school and police officers from the West Kelowna RCMP Detachment took part in a special Truth and Reconciliation event this week.
After months of preparation, officers and youths participated in a canoe journey that took them across Okanagan Lake.
The group of paddlers left Kelowna City Park and paddled to Westbank First Nations beach and met with the Westbank First Nation Chief and Council, elders, and other invited community members.
The journey followed traditional indigenous customs and protocol along the way.
“The paddlers presented the Westbank First Nation Chief and the elders with an “Every Child Matters” drum created by the Indigenous Leadership Class to commemorate the Truth and Reconciliation Day,” said the organizer of the project, Constable Rolly Williams from the West Kelowna RCMP Indigenous Policing Unit.
The RCMP officers and the youths sang the Okanagan song as taught by Westbank First Nation Knowledge Keeper, Councillor Jordan Coble.
After the journey back to City Park, participants and invited guests attended the West Kelowna RCMP Detachment to enjoy a meal prepared by Mounties and students.
“I am proud to see our police officers continue to build relationships in our community as we acknowledge Canada’s second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” added Staff Sergeant Duncan Dixon, the West Kelowna Detachment Commander.
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