Each and every day police officers risk their lives to improve and protect ours.
While they never know what type of situation they may encounter on the job, their work is valued and respected by members of the community.
To help emphasize that message, a prestigious ceremony was held on June 5 at 10 a.m. in front of the new Maskwacis RCMP detachment located on the Samson Cree Nation Reserve officially marking the building’s grand opening.
The Darqhorse Drum Group performed the flag song as elders, chiefs, municipal, provincial, and federal politicians, police officers and other special guests were led to their places. Latiya Northwest sang O Canada in Cree, Rev. Sandra Ermineskin gave the invocation, and Insp. Donald Ladouceur, officer in charge (OIC) of the Maskwacis RCMP detachment and master of ceremonies, said a few words.
“It’s been a long journey since I was stationed here in Hobbema as constable in 1992, when we were in the old detachment on Highway 611 and 2A. We were informed a new detachment would be built for the community, and today, that vision has now been achieved through the strong partnership developed between the Hobbema community, the Samson Nation and the RCMP.
This new detachment and beautiful new facility will be the cornerstone of this community for many years to come, building on partnerships, focusing on a proactive approach, and formulating crime prevention initiatives between the four nations of hobbema and the RCMP members who serve this community.
I want to thank all those who have been involved in planning and building this detachment, as it is truly a dream come true. This community now has its own detachment that compares to all other across Canada and I welcome you in celebrating this special day.”
Samson Chief Marvin Yellowbird then gave welcoming remarks.
“As our community moves forward in a new era of crime prevention, the RCMP detachment located on our reserve will play and important function to reduce and help provide a safer place for our children and indeed all our members. It represents only one part of our commitment and strategy to make our community a safer place and to further reduce criminal activity,” he said.
“This detachment was designed, financed and constructed entirely by Samson Cree Nation. No federal or provincial funds were used for this process. Samson Nation is the owner of this building and this is the first time this approach to constructing an RCMP detachment has been implemented on First Nations reserves in Canada. Today puts a rest to a decade long struggle for a building to serve and protect our people.”
“I want to take this opportunity to extend a thank you to the Samson Cree for their ingenuity, creativity, resourcefulness and determination for obtaining the financing for this building and for making it happen,” added Montana Chief Carolyn Buffalo. “You have made the Maskwacis community a better place to live.”
Chief Jerry Ermineskin and Chief Wayne Moonias shared words of hope and thanks from Ermineskin and Louis Bull, respectively and deputy commissioner Rod Knecht, commanding officer K Division, Fred Linsday, Alberta solicitor general, Gene Zwozdesky, minister of aboriginal relations, Supt. Darcey Davidson, OIC, Battle River district, and Verlyn Olsen, MLA for Wetaskiwin/Camrose did the same.
“The RCMP are here to serve and protect you and your community and they do so with unfailing commitment. As part of that commitment we added nine officers to Hobbema through a community tripartite agreement bringing the current total to 32 members. These additional resources allow the RCMP to work more closely with community leaders in Hobbema, the Maskwacis Chiefs Consultant Group and those who act as role models to the youth of this community,” said Lindsay, who praised last year’s gun amnesty program and the work the RCMP have done and will continue to do in upcoming months and years.
At the conclusion of the speeches, traditional dancers performed and Samson elder, Georgina Baptiste, Ermineskin elder, Theresa Wildcat, Louis Bull elder, Louis Raine and Montana elder, Alice Currie cut the ribbon. Following lunch and refreshments, those in attendance could go on an official tour of the detachment.
The new detachment that serves the Samson, Ermineskin, Louis Bull and Montana Nations in the Maskwacis community is a 1,220m2 building that employs 50 people, contains interface areas, a victim services office, exhibit storage areas, specialized rooms for RCMP members and support staff, and a cellblock. Special consideration was given to ensure that the Plains Cree culture was reflected in the design of the building as well.