On June 21, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., Assistant Commissioner Peter Clark, Commanding Officer of RCMP NL, will be joined by representatives of the St. John’s Native Friendship Center for a special flag raising of the Aboriginal Policing Services Ensign to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The ensign incorporates symbols representing the three Aboriginal cultures the RCMP serves – eagle feathers for the First Nations, Inuksuk for the Inuit and the Assumption sash for the Métis.
The maple leaf symbolizes the national mandate of RCMP Aboriginal Policing Services.
The event will also include a smudging, which is a ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples that involves the burning of sacred medicines, in some cases for spiritual cleansing or blessing.
In cooperation with Indigenous Peoples’ national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and heritage.
This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or about this day.