Each year, 30 Indigenous young adults from across Canada, between the ages of 19 and 29, participate in a three-week modified training with the Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program (IPTP) at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. Since the program's launch in 1994, many participants have become RCMP officers or work for the RCMP in another role.
Jewel Joe, from Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, New Brunswick, attended this years IPTP and enjoyed her experience.
"During the training program I gained many new skills and learned about the RCMP's connection with Indigenous communities," says Jewel. "I really enjoyed my experience with the Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program."
Some highlights from her time at Depot were the defensive tactics classes, where she applied the skills she learned to assess and deescalate a situation. Another highlight was the firearms course, where cadets learned how to properly handle, discharge, and safely store a firearm.
"My time at Depot helped me to identify my strengths and where I can continue to learn," says Jewel. "With this experience, I gained valuable skills and the confidence to support my goal of pursuing a career with the RCMP."
Since returning from Depot, Jewel has been hired by the New Brunswick RCMP to work closely with the Indigenous communities in the province.