Eagle Feather Welcoming Ceremony

November 18, 2021
Natoaganeg First Nation, New Brunswick

News release

Images

Members from Natoaganeg First Nation and community, and Northeast District RCMP members in attendance at the Eagle Feather Welcoming Ceremony

On November 1, 2021, a Welcoming Ceremony took place for the New Brunswick RCMP's Eagle Feather in Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation. The ceremony officially welcomed the use of the Eagle Feather and as a one-year cleansing and blessing.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Natoaganeg First Nation, George Ginnish; his wife and Spiritual Elder, Mary Ginnish; Natoaganeg Community Prevention and Outreach Worker, River Ward; Executive Director of the Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Team, Shelley Francis; Natoaganeg Community Health Nurse, Andrea Paul; Director of the Eel Ground Health Centre, Anne Marie Larry; New Brunswick RCMP Community Program Officer for Indigenous Communities Travis Connors and Claudette Savoie; Community Program Officer, Shelley Donahue; and Northeast District RCMP members, S/Sgt. Martin Saulnier, Sgt. Eric Dubé, Cst. Adam Peter Paul, Cst. Ghislain Irvine, and Cst. Agata Purcell.

The Eagle Feather Initiative

Through cultural teachings, First Nations Elders have passed on the knowledge of how these sacred birds could help in the fulfillment of sacred vows and prayers. Indigenous spirituality believes there is a direct connection between the Eagle and the Creator. The Eagle symbolizes respect, courage, love, honesty, wisdom, truth and humility. As the Eagle flies the highest and closest to and carries prayers to the Creator, the Eagle Feather is one of the most sacred and honoured gifts given to an individual.

In 2020, the New Brunswick RCMP began offering the option of holding an Eagle Feather for providing statements or being interviewed by a police officer, or while swearing an oath or affirmation. The Eagle Feather may be used in a similar way to swearing on a Bible, or simply to help provide comfort in challenging times. In addition, the Eagle Feather may also be accessed by RCMP employees for the purpose of smudging/comfort, for training, and may also be requested by Indigenous peoples for the purpose of staffing interviews.

It is through the support of Indigenous community leaders and influential Elders in the province, that the Eagle Feather initiative was made possible. Thirteen New Brunswick RCMP detachments, where services are provided to Indigenous communities, have an Eagle Feather available through identified Eagle Feather Keepers.

The New Brunswick RCMP is committed to efforts where the focus is placed on meaningful work towards mutually agreed upon priorities as it relates to Indigenous policing. A key component to our Indigenous Community Engagement Strategy is establishing a strong foundation for communication and to ensure we go about strengthening relationships by demonstrating cultural competency and cultural safety.

The Eagle Feather initiative and many more we are developing ensure the New Brunswick RCMP's efforts aimed at Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action account for the perspectives of Indigenous clients, partners, employees and those who work with them.

A Welcoming Ceremony in Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation and other communities in the province are in the process of being organized. The hope is that the Welcoming Ceremonies bring greater awareness to the communities about the Eagle Feather initiative.

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