Annual RPS round dance continues to foster positive relationships
- Jolene Creely | February 13, 2018
The Regina Police Service (RPS) celebrated its 12th year hosting their annual round dance this past weekend where over 200 people attended.
Larry Oakes, who sits on the RPS Aboriginal Elders Advisory, recalled the feelings he had while he attended the annual event over the years.
“I pride in the work they do. The police officers serving as an oskapewsak and compared to when they first started,” said Oakes. “They were clumsy, nervous and scared but now they’re confident.”
Oskapewsak is a Cree word for elder’s helpers at ceremonies. Oakes said he also felt pride when he saw the youth being served by a police officer during the feast. He said that’s the breakthrough is when the Regina Police are at these functions serving the people in the community.
“At that point of contact in a ceremonial setting that’s going to go a long way in creating a positive relationship with a police officer,” he said.
Prior to the round dance a pipe ceremony is conducted which is very crucial for a round dance as it allows for the blessing of a traditional feast and to provide a positive atmosphere for community to be together. There are prayers and special remarks said by both female and male elders present so that the event will carry out in a good way.
Sergeant William Hayden has been with the RPS for twenty-four years and he recognizes the spiritual aspect of this time.
“I find it really powerful, the whole vibe in the room changes,” he said.
Chief of Regina Police Evan Bray has been working with the RPS for twenty-three years and is in his second year of the leadership role. He recognizes the importance of hosting a round dance to interact with the community
“The round dance is definitely the highlight of the year in terms of bringing community together,” said Bray. “We have people from all different walks of life and different parts of the community coming together and really celebrating.”
Trent Walker-Montana is the Mentorship Candidate for RPS from Onion Lake First Nation and aspires to become a police officer in the near future. After seeing the work his uncle has done being a police officer, he has dreamt of becoming a police officer at a young age.
“Being there when people are at their most vulnerable time and helping them find a solution to their problems really draw me to placing a career,” said Walker-Montana.
He attended the annual RPS event and felt pride and appreciation that the RPS organized an Indigenous event to show that connection with the community.
“Being a status First Nation and not knowing what my background is, it’s really good to come here to understand what my background is and to understand what’s happening,” he said.
The RPS round dance has been held at Al Ritchie community centre in previous years but this year it was held in the newly built Mamaweyatitan Centre in the North Central Community – due to the growing number of attendance observed over the years.