Regina, Saskatchewan – June 6, 2008 –Twenty-seven young men and women stood proudly in the RCMP Academy Fitness Centre gymnasium as they received their certificates of participation in the Aboriginal Youth Training Program (AYTP) from "Depot" Division Support Service Officer, Superintendent Dale Erickson.
They are the latest participants in a 17-week RCMP National Recruiting Program, Aboriginal recruiting initiative that enables Aboriginal youth to learn about law enforcement and the criminal justice field.
Participants spent the first three weeks of the program at Depot. They then work with experienced police officers in detachments near their home town using skills acquired at the RCMP Academy.
Participant Melissa Pinyon found the experience most rewarding and can hardly wait to begin her new posting at Merritt detachment, in Merritt British Columbia.
"My experience here was amazing, it was a real eye opener and inspires me to continue my quest to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."
According to the program manager, Sergeant Ed Jobson, graduates leave the Academy with a greater appreciation of policing and of the role of aboriginal people in the RCMP. Many past students have returned to Depot Division and have become regular members of the RCMP.
"The RCMP training academy portion of AYTP is designed to give participants a taste of what life is like as an RCMP cadet. For three weeks student's live and work as a troop and attend classes similar to regular cadets. This experience better prepares students for the academy if they choose a career in the RCMP as well as builds their self-esteem."
The AYTP participants were selected from a pool of candidates from across the country.
In line with its strategic priorities, the RCMP is committed to contributing to safer and healthier Aboriginal communities. The Aboriginal Youth Program is an example of the RCMP's commitment to Aboriginal communities. This is achieved by developing community capacity to prevent crime through social development, the ongoing delivery of culturally appropriate policing services and ongoing consultation with the communities to ensure their needs are being met.
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For more information please contact:
Marie R. Patterson
Communications & Events Management Services
RCMP "Depot" Division
306-780-5707
306-537-1307 (cellular)
