Gleichen RCMP unveil new Blackfoot language sign in partnership with Siksika Nation

May 27, 2026 - Gleichen, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Gleichen, Alta. — Gleichen RCMP, in partnership with Siksika Nation Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leadership, and community members, gathered on May 22 outside the Gleichen Detachment for the unveiling of a newly revised detachment sign incorporating Blackfoot language.

Located within Treaty 7 territory and the ancestral lands of the Siksika Nation, the updated sign reflects a shared commitment to reconciliation, cultural respect, and strengthened relationships between the RCMP and the community it serves.

The initiative began informally when members of the detachment noticed a phrase on the existing sign whose meaning and origin were unknown. 

“I was sitting in the lunchroom one day and looked out at the sign and asked what it said. We weren’t even sure it was in Blackfoot, and nobody really knew its meaning,” said Sergeant Joshua Argue, Gleichen Detachment. “It became clear something wasn’t right, and that we needed to address it.”

This led to an opportunity for reflection and collaboration with Siksika Nation Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The detachment engaged with the Siksika Nation Elders Advisory Committee to ensure the wording on the new sign was accurate, respectful, and reflective of the community’s language and values.

During the unveiling ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of language as a carrier of history, law, values, and identity, and the significance of honouring Blackfoot language in a visible and lasting way at the detachment. Staff Sergeant Carl Dinsdale, Detachment Commander of the Gleichen RCMP, spoke to the importance of building trust and relationships within the community.

“We’re going to create a culture of change here in Gleichen,” said Staff Sergeant Dinsdale. “I’m hopeful members of the RCMP here will be known by their name, not just by their uniform. This is a one day at a time relationship that we must build, but we’re dedicated to making that happen, and this sign is a reflection of that commitment.”

“We all put our heads together,” said Francis “Butch” Wolfleg, speaking on behalf of the Siksika Nation Elders Advisory Committee,. “We had a lot of work to do, and we needed to find the right phrasing for the sign. What we came up with was something that all the Elders agreed upon, and we believe it reflects what we hope our relationship with the RCMP continues to be.”

Wolfleg added that the new wording on the sign translates to: “Looking out for people. Working toward peace and harmony.” He also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Indigenous peoples and policing in the region, noting that continued efforts to include and elevate Blackfoot language represent an important step in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.

Members of the Gleichen RCMP, Siksika Nation Elders, and community partners expressed hope that the updated sign will serve as a lasting symbol of partnership, respect, and shared purpose moving forward.

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