The West Kelowna RCMP First Nation Policing (FNP) Unit in partnership with Okanagan Indian Band FNP and Penticton Indian Band FNP conducted an Okanagan RCMP Recruiting Youth Canoe Journey on Okanagan Lake.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP
September 06, 2019 - 12:01 PM
WEST KELOWNA - In an effort to build better relationships between the RCMP and aboriginal communities a select group representing both embarked on a multi-day canoe journey.
The West Kelowna RCMP First Nation Policing Unit in partnership with Okanagan Indian Band FNP and Penticton Indian Band started their journey Aug. 26 at Kamasket Park in Vernon and took paddlers along Okanagan Lake to Penticton and ended on Aug.30.
"Our goal is to help build better community relationships with the RCMP and aboriginal communities, to further boost recruiting of aboriginal people in the RCMP and to bring education to aboriginal youth regarding the importance of water safety," Const. Rolly Williams of the West Kelowna FNP Unit said in a press release.
Youth from West Kelowna, Kamloops and from as far as Burns Lake signed up to take part in this five-day canoe journey. RCMP members canoed with the youths across Okanagan Lake while BC Conservation Officers provided the safety boat and first aid support.
There were 18 youths participating in the canoe journey this year and they came from a number of regions including; Ttes Indian Band, Wetsuweten Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Kamloops and Westbank First Nation.
"These kids are interested in joining the RCMP one day and will benefit from the challenges, team building, friendships and life skills they received during this journey," Williams said.
After participating in the Recruitment Canoe Journey and the Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy, West Kelowna resident Keegan Ford is more determined than ever to become a Mountie.
"I’ve wanted to join the RCMP since I was a kid. I just want to give back to the community and help people make their day better," Ford said. "Comparing our cultures and being apart of a team. I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in becoming a police officer. We all have something in common, wanting to give back to our communities."
Anyone interested in learning more about the RCMP Okanagan FNP Youth Recruiting Canoe Journey can visit the website here.
The West Kelowna RCMP First Nation Policing (FNP) Unit in partnership with Okanagan Indian Band FNP and Penticton Indian Band FNP conducted an Okanagan RCMP Recruiting Youth Canoe Journey on Okanagan Lake.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP
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