Constable Inuuki Burke becomes first Inuk to return home to Nunavut after completing Depot training in more than two decades

It was 100 per cent a positive experience

Reflecting on his training at Depot, the RCMP's training academy in Regina, Burke describes it as one of the best experiences of his life.

"I really enjoyed it," he says. "Firearms was my favourite part. There were some challenges throughout, but it was important to trudge through it." Emphasizing the importance of high-effort and high-reward.

Burke says graduating Depot was more than just a milestone; it was a defining moment. "It was one of the highlights of my life," says Burke.

Proud family, proud community

As the first RCMP officer in his family, Burke's achievement sparked celebration across Nunavut.

"My friends, family, and community members were very excited and very positive. I received so many texts and messages. My dad was also very happy."

Now posted in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, a tight-knit community of around 1,900 people, Burke has quickly embraced his new role.

"Everyone says 'Hi'", says Burke, noting how welcoming and receptive his community has been to his policing presence. "It's a great community to police."

A dream since high school

Burke's interest in policing started early. "It has been a dream of mine, and since high school that's when I really knew," he says. There wasn't really a specific reason," he reflects. "I just wanted to be a cop." That vague ambition took clearer shape after a ride-along with Constable Charles Faubert. "He said he could take me out for one, and when he did, I thought it was fun. That's when I really wanted to join."

Asked what advice he'd give to other Inuk youth considering the RCMP, "There is no better time than now. There's a lot of support for Indigenous people to join the RCMP."

The encouragement didn't stop there. Burke had the opportunity to meet Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar, the Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Nunavut. "Knowing he had my back through the process meant a lot." He also received encouragement from PJ Akeeagok, the Premier of Nunavut, just before he headed to Depot, the RCMP's training academy.

Once at Depot, Burke found himself warmly welcomed and well-known. "Everyone wants to get to know you since you're the guy from Nunavut," he said. Burke was the only cadet from Nunavut to attend training at Depot that year. "It's always interesting to talk about." During an Indigenous gathering at Depot, recruiters recognized him by name.

"Everyone knows who you are and wants you to do great, especially as an Indigenous member of the RCMP," Burke says. "As long as you show up and give it your all, they'll do everything they can to help you succeed."

A mentor's pride

One of the people who supported Burke's journey is his mentor, Sergeant George Henrie who supports media relations at the Nunavut detachment, who himself joined the force in 2002 as part of a historic all Inuk recruitment troop. Out of 15 recruits, 11 graduated, and 10 went on to join the ranks.

"I first met Constable Burke in 2021 when he was a cell guard in my detachment. I invited him to come talk to me anytime he wanted. We ended up keeping in contact throughout his time at Depot," says Henrie.

For Burke, having a support system within the RCMP was not only a great resource throughout his Depot experience, but also today, as he embarks on his career in policing.

"George helped me with my Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire and taught me the STAR (Situation, task, action, result) principle," Burke recalls. "He's been there every step of the way," says Burke.

Henrie says seeing Burke succeed brings a deep sense of pride. "It's not easy, but I'm happy someone has chosen policing as a career. As an Inuk person, I did it 23 years ago, and now we have another who's done it. If you put your heart and mind to it, you can be successful."

With years of service across every community in Nunavut and even posts with the Prime Ministers protective detail, Henrie has seen firsthand the power of representation and community policing.

"I always tell young people. 'If I can do it, so can you.'"