Indigenous youth in ‘Depot’
Photo: RCMP
The West Kelowna Indigenous Police Section hosted 16 young people last month for a mini-Depot-style experience called “Cop Camp,” with the goal of shedding positive light on the RCMP for young Indigenous children.
The children received a matching tracksuit, were placed in a bedroom-style setting, and were instructed on a variety of aspects within the RCMP.
The four-day event introduced young people to the importance of fitness, exercise and demonstrations shown from various sections of the RCMP, such as police dog services, forensic identification, emergency response equipment, traffic and recruitment services.
Const. Rolly Williams, who organized the event, says the goal was to pique children’s curiosity and show them a snapshot of Depot’s experience, as well as explore career opportunities as a police officer.
“These young people are our future. My job here is to get a few kids out of camp and get interested and excited to become a member of the RCMP. With a career in the RCMP, they can go out and make a difference in the world, “Williams said.
The experiment came two years after it was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.
Photo: RCMP