Organizational strides in Nunavut with the appointment of first Staff Sergeant Major
By Mara Shaw
May 28, 2024
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As Nunavut acknowledges 25 years as a recognized territory in Canada in April 2024, the RCMP continues to bolster its efforts in the northernmost and largest territory. In October 2023, after a thorough selection process the Commissioner, on the advice of the Commanding Officer in Nunavut, appointed Sergeant Pauline Melanson to the rank of Staff Sergeant Major. The Staff Sergeant Major duty is a new role within the division, making Melanson the first to hold the position as warrant officer.
In the role, Melanson will work with Commanding Officer, Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar, the Government of Nunavut and Inuit communities and organizations to promote public safety and support reconciliation efforts. Warrant group representation is not new to the RCMP, and Nunavut has been working toward building their capacity for some time.
"It was never a decision we could make independently. It was a decision we had to make with our policing partner, the government of Nunavut; they have to approve the position as well," says Chief Superintendent Andrew Blackadar. "It's important to have that liaison allying the government and the community, but also for our officers in the field to have somebody in that role as a sounding board between senior management."
Building bridges
The primary function of the role is to establish and sustain networks between the RCMP and the community. "Pauline no doubt understands the role of the police in the territory, she also understands the needs of the people," says Blackadar. Inuktitut is the first language for many Inuit. This can create an immediate barrier between predominantly English-speaking officers. As an Inuk woman, Pauline can breakdown those barriers, "but Pauline is no 'translator' - she's a bridge-builder," stresses Blackadar.
The Staff Sergeant Major also represents the force leading the Commanding Officer's Inuit Advisory Group. The group's purpose is to foster a sphere of collaboration and honest discussion between government bodies and the 25 predominantly Inuit communities to cohesively steer policing strategies across the Nunavut.
Melanson brings a lifetime of expertise to the role as a second-generation police officer. Born and raised in Nunavut she also shares a unique understanding of the Inuit context. After living outside of the territory for many years and returning three years ago, she realized that she is very much a part of the community that she serves. "Being a police officer was always a job, but over the last three years I have really thought about how my presence and return to the community can even influence someone to consider policing as a career," reflects Melanson.
Leading with compassion
Staff Sergeant Major Melanson comes to the position with her ambitions and goals she hopes to carry out. She says she plans to promote and champion the great work officers in Nunavut are driving through positive community outreach. Many of the activities include engagement with youth, children and older people; and others involve connecting with various vulnerable groups like those suffering from mental health and addiction. Additionally, Melanson aims to reinforce the RCMP core values, which she says align with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the guiding principles by which the Inuit live. "I can't control the public, but I can help to make sure our officers are living out those core values. We all fallback to humanity and how we treat each other."
"Nunavut is growing, and the needs here are very unique to other divisions. It's important to have a position that can bring everyone together and standardize our approach," says Melanson.