Before joining the RCMP, Cst. Yannick Roy always had a desire to learn from Indigenous community members. When he attended RCMP Depot in 2019, Cst. Roy and the troop he was with helped to build a Sweat Lodge on the Depot grounds with local Indigenous partners, and under the supervision of an Elder from the Okanese First Nation. Once the lodge was built and blessed, Cst. Roy and the cadets participated in a Sweat Lodge ceremony.
Shortly after joining the New Brunswick RCMP's Oromocto Detachment in 2019, Cst. Roy had the opportunity to attend a Sweat Lodge ceremony at the Oromocto First Nation.
"I wanted to connect with the community," says Roy. "It was another rewarding experience to be able to meet some of the individuals in the communities where I was serving."
This past summer, Cst. Roy attended both the Welamukotuk (Oromocto) and the Pilick (Kingsclear) Powwows. He spent his time interacting with community members, assisting the organizers and vendors, sharing laughs with the children, and learning from the teachings provided by Elders. He was honoured to participate in a Sunrise Ceremony and be asked to be a flag bearer during the Grand Entry.
A highlight for Cst. Roy from the Pilick Powwow was decorating the tipi with children from the community to honour and remember the survivors of residential schools, and murdered and missing indigenous women and girls.
"It was a heartfelt experience to share with the children in the community," says Cst. Roy. "I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome I received from everyone. I cannot thank them enough for including me in the ceremonies and celebrations, and for being willing to teach me about their beautiful culture."
Since joining the RCMP in 2019, Cst. Roy has valued the opportunity to pursue his career goals and to have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous community members across Canada. He believes it is important to ensure we build and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Whether Cst. Roy is on or off-duty, he keeps every teaching he has learned close to his heart.