News release
Indigenous Police Service member supports indigenous youth leadership at RCMP training academy
May 7, 2026
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West Kelowna, British Columbia
From: West Kelowna RCMP
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A member of the West Kelowna RCMP Indigenous Police Service (IPS) recently took part in a national initiative aimed at empowering Indigenous youth and strengthening relationships between young leaders and the RCMP.
Constable Dave Hill, IPS member with the West Kelowna RCMP, returned to the RCMP Training Academy, otherwise known as Depot Division, in Regina, Saskatchewan alongside 16‑year‑old Hunter Hohn of Westbank First Nation to participate in the Indigenous Youth Leadership Workshop, held March 9–15, 2026.
The workshop, facilitated by RCMP National Youth Services from Headquarters in Ottawa, brought together 13 Indigenous youth from across Canada, each partnered with an RCMP mentor from their home community. The goal of the program is to provide youth with leadership skills, build positive relationships, and collaboratively identify a community issue or concern, followed by developing an action plan with support from their RCMP mentors.
Throughout the week, youth participants took part in; team‑building and leadership activities, learning sessions focused on current safety issues and crime prevention, behind‑the‑scenes experiences at Depot, including observation of cadet training, and exposure to RCMP physical fitness requirements and other aspects of training and facilities.
Participants also had the opportunity to connect with cadets currently undergoing training, who shared their experiences and offered advice and encouragement.
“It was an amazing experience to go back to where my training started with the RCMP,” said Constable Dave Hill. “It was a great opportunity to meet other like‑minded regular members who put youth first and work in Indigenous communities from all over Canada. Having the platform to share what it’s like in our communities, and to see the next generation of youth who should be nationally recognized for their resilience and determination to make positive change, is truly inspiring. Building positive relationships and connections between youth and the RCMP is essential.”
“I loved how everyone from the youth workshop became so connected in just 1 week in meeting each other. everything about seeing Depot Training was an awesome experience and as it’s a goal of mine to be a RCMP officer one day,” said Hunter Hohn, Westbank First Nation Youth Council.
The West Kelowna RCMP recognize the importance of initiatives that support Indigenous youth leadership and foster trust, understanding, and collaboration within Indigenous communities. Programs such as the Indigenous Youth Leadership Workshop help create meaningful opportunities for youth to be heard, develop skills, and contribute positively to their communities.
