The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is demanding solutions after the sudden elimination of Rhonda Blackmore as commanding officer of Saskatchewan’s RCMP F Division.
Blackmore, a 30-year RCMP veteran who took the assistant commissioner job in April 2021, was relieved of her duties on June 3. In an emailed assertion that day, Blackmore mentioned the choice was “a results of nameless complaints.” She has not commented publicly on her elimination since.
“We firmly stand with Assistant Commissioner Blackmore,” Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council mentioned in a joint assertion from the FSIN. “Her time as F Division CO has been outlined by unwavering integrity, accountability, and a dedication to First Nation communities.”
Govt members and several other tribal councils from the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore’s dedication to neighborhood policing and highlighted her management throughout key crises, together with the 2022 mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation. In addition they pointed to her efforts to enhance Indigenous recruitment, foster belief by working agreements with communities and push for systemic reform throughout the RCMP.
“Rhonda confirmed sturdy management throughout a time of disaster for James Smith,” Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte mentioned within the FSIN assertion. “She, alongside along with her workforce, labored onerous to develop belief by her compassion and understanding.”
The FSIN mentioned a scarcity of public rationalization and absence of session for Blackmore’s elimination has rattled confidence within the RCMP’s inner processes.
The FSIN made three calls for:
- The rapid reinstatement of Blackmore pending a clear exterior investigation.
- The institution of impartial oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, significantly relating to nameless complaints.
- A proper dedication to guard RCMP officers who advocate for reform and neighborhood security.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron additionally urged the Workplace of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner to analyze what he describes because the potential misuse of the RCMP’s whistleblower coverage.
“We need to guarantee justice is completed — for Rhonda Blackmore, for the integrity of the RCMP, and for First Nations folks throughout Saskatchewan,” Cameron mentioned.
RCMP responded with a press release.
“The RCMP values its relationship with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations management, and is totally dedicated to neighborhood policing and accountability,” the assertion mentioned.
It added that the appointment of an interim commanding officer “can have no influence on front-line policing operations nor the security and safety of Indigenous communities throughout this interim interval.”
The RCMP mentioned it’s assured that F Division officers will proceed to serve Indigenous communities with dedication and professionalism.
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