West Kelowna IPS hosts Indigenous youth at a Cop Camp

West Kelowna, Indigenous Policing Services

2022-06-21 13:07 PDT

The West Kelowna RCMP Indigenous Policing Section was finally able to host a much anticpated Cop Camp.

Almost 2 years after being postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic the West Kelowna Indigenous Policing Section hosted kids at Mount Boucherie Secondary School.

The recruiting oriented camp focused on putting a positive light on a career in the RCMP for young Indigenous men and women.

On May 27, 2022 16 students attended a mini Depot-style experience as a troop, building bonds and being a part of a team.

Photo of marching.

They youth were given matching track suits, placed in a dorm style environment, and were instructed on various aspects of the RCMP.

Over the course of four days the kids would be introduced to physical fitness, Drill, and were provided with demonstrations from various sections in the RCMP such as, Police Dog Services, Forensic Identification, Emergency Response Team, Traffic Services, Recruiting.

Photo of a youth wearing a police vest.

The goal of the camp was simply to pique the kids’ curiosity and give them a snap shot into the Depot experience as well as explore potential career opportunities within the RCMP. Because of the camp was geared toward Indigenous youth, the camp incorporated cultural teachings as well, and the kids participated in a canoe session.

Photo of youth paddling a canoe.

These young people are our future. My job here is to get a few kids to come out of the camp and get them interested in and excited about becoming a member of the RCMP, said Cst. Rolly Williams who organized the camp together said. With a career in the RCMP, they can go out and make a difference in the world.

The West Kelowna IPS worked closely with the West Kelowna School Resource Officer, MBSS staff, and members of the Kelowna Regional RCMP detachment.

Released by:

Corporal Mike Williams
NCO I/C Indigenous Policing Unit Westbank First Nation
West Kelowna RCMP
Tel: 250-768-2880
 

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