Image: Supplied by Chilliwack RCMP / Participants of the 11-day "Pulling Together Canoe Journey" unite with a show of hands held during their recent expedition that brought police and Indigenous communities together.

By Marcus Gordon

Chilliwack RCMP, Indigenous communities unite in epic 11-day canoe journey across British Columbia

Aug 19, 2022 | 11:13 AM

CHILLIWACK — Truth and reconciliation with First Nations communities can manifest in many different forms, including an epic 11-day canoe adventure across the splendor of British Columbia and First Nations territories.

This year, the first ever Upper Fraser Valley RCMP Canoe Family participated in the 20th edition of the Pulling Together Canoe Journey.

Together, with SAY Lands and the Sto:lo Spath Canoe Family of the Abbotsford Police, members of the Indigenous Policing Service, Chilliwack RCMP, and Urban Indigenous Policing formed the Bear Clan to embark on an eleven day journey in Secwépemc Territory.

The group paddled two 24-foot Clipper Canoes provided by the UFVRD Indigenous Policing Services. The Schéxwem (West Wind) and Syó:letsep hálp’ex (Wave Eater), named in a traditional ceremony in July 2021, were engineered to reflect the traditional Coast Salish designs.

Canoe families made up of Indigenous youth, law enforcement and public service communities began their journey in Belvedere Park in Enderby with stops at Grindrad Park, Mara Lake, Pierre’s Point and Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake. The journey ended at Green Lake, a traditional summer gathering place for the Secwépemc People. The group witnessed and participated in cultural activities, protocols and ceremonies.

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The mission of the Pulling Together Canoe Journey is Recognizing the past by Pulling Together to enhance understanding between public service agencies and Aboriginal peoples by canoeing the traditional highway, strengthening their future relations.

“We raise our hands to the host Nations for their hospitality and their teachings,” said Constable Jaden Courtney, Urban Indigenous Liaison Officer of the UFVRD RCMP. “We are looking forward to growing our canoe family for next year’s canoe journey!”

The UFVRD RCMP is committed to building and fostering relationships with all Indigenous peoples including local First Nation communities and those who reside in the urban areas, and was a proud participant in the annual Pulling Together Canoe Journey.

“The eleven days I spent on this journey connecting with Indigenous youth and Elders learning about cultural practices while reflecting on the past was life changing,” stated Constable Adison Hiemstra. “The time spent together not only built trust and understanding but also reinforced my commitment to ensuring that more local youth have the opportunity to experience this journey.”

If you are an Indigenous youth, and would like to learn more about joining the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP Canoe Family, please contact Constable Adison Hiemstra at Adison.Hiemstra@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.