Chief Robert Louie
((SOURCE: WESTBANK FIRST NATION / iNFOnews.ca)
November 29, 2012 - 4:32 PM
The Westbank First Nation recognized three West Kelowna RCMP officers with a special ceremony for their role in a July shooting.
During the feather ceremony Nov. 26, Chief and Council presented blessed eagle feathers to Cpl. Brian Harris, Const. Mike Philion and Const. Mike Taylor in a traditional ceremony held in the Westbanks First Nation council chambers.
The shooting incident happened July 31 on Westbank and West Kelowna lands while the three officers attempted to stop a suspicious green mini-van.
The eagle feather ceremony has historical and cultural significance to Westbank First Nation and the Eagle feather holds deep meaning to many First Nations bands because the Eagle flies the closest to the Creator. Its feathers were blessed in order to protect the officers.
"This is one example of the dedication to service that our RCMP members across the country demonstrate on a daily basis," says Chief Robert Louie. "We honour the bravery and courage of these officers, in the face of great danger, to protect our lands and our peoples."
News from © iNFOnews, 2012