RCMP Indigenous Policing Section officers teamed up with local youth for fun project!

North Cowichan/Duncan

2023-06-01 12:44 PDT

File # 2023

Earlier in the month of May 2023, The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Indigenous Policing Section (IPS) officers went out with Quw’utsun Hu-yi’xwule’ and Yuthuy’thut students and staff to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.

On May 10, 2023, IPS officers brought the massive canvas Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Education Program map and sank it to the bottom of the pool (with permission from the Centre). The map is of Turtle Island – how North America looked prior to colonialization. It is coloured in all of the different Tribal and Treaty areas, with cities, RCMP Detachments, and longitude and latitude marked as well. The exterior of the map features a timeline of Indigenous life – both prior to, and after, colonialization. It marks important events – both good and bad.

The Aquatic Centre provided them with weights in order to keep the map at the bottom of the pool. There was some air trapped under the map, which created interesting relief, making it look 3D with mountains (many enjoyed walking on mountains!) They used diving markers/toys to encourage the students and staff to dive down and examine the map and timeline (such as the Inuit people finally gaining the right to vote in 1950 – but given access to do so in 1962). One truly unique opportunity to swim across Canada which was enjoyed by the students, staff, public, and other Cowichan Tribes members.

This occurred during a public swim and attracted a lot of attention, which led to educational opportunities and much-needed discussion in relation to Indigenous Peoples in Canada, said Constable Vanessa Fields of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.

Finally, they received permission to use the mess hall at Si’em Lelum Gymnasium from Cowichan Tribes to spread the map out overnight in order to ensure it dries properly so as not to damage it from sitting water.

This was a successful initiative with many partners involved in order to make it so! Thank you to everyone who assisted and participated! added Constable Field.

Released by

Cpl. Alex Bérubé

Email: alex.berube@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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