Historical events in RCMP-Indigenous relations

The RCMP has a long, sometimes difficult history with Indigenous communities in Canada that dates back some 150 years. We're committed to positive change - which includes renewing our vital relationships with Indigenous peoples. To promote better understanding and respect, we've taken several important steps to:

• strengthen collaboration with Indigenous peoples
• improve community policing and Indigenous recruitment
• support healing and reconciliation

This timeline includes historical events that contributed to our relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities.

1873

The Government of Canada established the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) which would become the RCMP in 1920. The NWMP police officers were considered agents of the Crown enforcing federal policies and legislation.

1874

The North West Mounted Police (NWMP) deploys to Western Canada. It employs Métis as guides and interpreters.

1875

The NWMP first employs First Nations and Métis people as "scouts".

1877

As one of the two Treaty Commissioners acting for the Crown and the Government of Canada, NWMP Commissioner James Macleod negotiates and signs Treaty No. 7.

1885

Louis Riel, Métis leader largely responsible for bringing Manitoba into Confederation, was controversially hanged at the North West Mounted Police barracks in Regina for his role in the Red River and Northwest resistances. On Louis Riel Day (November 16), Saskatchewan RCMP raise the Métis Nation flag to honour Riel's life

1892

NWMP discontinues the "scout" employee category, excepting several scouts employed as interpreters. It employs First Nations and Métis people as Special Constables.

1904

To further recognize the service of the Force for the Crown, King Edward VII proclaims the Force as the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP).

1920

The Government of Canada amalgamates the RNWMP and the Dominion Police to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

1933

The Indian Act legally appoints RCMP officers as "truant officers" to enforce attendance and return truant children to residential schools.

1936

The RCMP begins referring to Inuit employees in Arctic detachments as Special Constables, an official rank.

1953 and 1955

The RCMP, acting as representatives of the Department of Resources and Development, moved Inuit from Inukjuak (formerly called Port Harrison) in Northern Quebec, and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), in what is now Nunavut, to settle two locations on the High Arctic islands.

1960s

The RCMP begins to expand its role in Indigenous communities beyond law enforcement (for example, giving school presentations).

1973

The RCMP establishes the Native Special Constable Program to recruit more Indigenous members.

1989

The RCMP converts Native Special Constables to Regular Member status.

1990

The RCMP forms the Commissioner's National Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

1990s

The RCMP establishes a dedicated Aboriginal Policing Directorate, the group known today as RCMP-Indigenous Relations Services.

1991

The Government of Canada establishes the First Nations Policing Program.

1994

The Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Program begins. It allows Indigenous candidates to spend three weeks at Depot to learn policing skills.

2003

The RCMP identifies Aboriginal communities as a strategic priority.

2004

RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli publicly apologizes for the RCMP's role in the Residential School System.

2006

The RCMP creates the Aboriginal Community Constable program. It becomes the Community Constable Program in 2013.

2008

The RCMP establishes Métis Community Liaisons in the divisions.

2010

All new constables must complete the Aboriginal and First Nations Awareness course.

2011

The RCMP produces its report "The role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during the Indian Residential School system".

2012

The RCMP unveils its Aboriginal Policing Ensign.

2014

At the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's National Event, Commissioner Bob Paulson apologizes for the RCMP's role in the Residential School system.

2014

The RCMP produces the "Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview" and subsequent 2015 update to the National Overview.

2016

The Assembly of First Nations and the RCMP sign a Relationship Building Protocol. Objectives include reconciliation and relationship building consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

2017

The Depot curriculum incorporates Indigenous cultural training, the Blanket Exercise.

2017

The RCMP unveils the Eagle Feather initiative in Nova Scotia. Shortly after, the feathers are distributed to all 54 detachments in Nova Scotia.

2017

Working Together to End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls report released.

2017

The RCMP signs an agreement to return Métis artifacts.

2018

Commissioner Brenda Lucki apologizes to the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls at the National Inquiry.

2018

The RCMP introduces its Eagle staff.

2018

The RCMP officially unveils the first permanent sweat lodge at headquarters in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

2019

RCMP begins restorative justice referrals.

2019

The RCMP in Manitoba adopts the Eagle Feather initiative.

2019

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki participates in a land transfer ceremony to honour and commemorate the Regina Indian Industrial School cemetery where at least 35 children were buried.

2019

The Federal government apologies to Baffin Inuit for sled dog killings and forced relocations.

2020

Statement by Commissioner Brenda Lucki on systemic racism in the RCMP.

2020

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island RCMP and Mi'Kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI) adopt the Eagle Feather initiative.

2021

Saskatchewan RCMP are now holders of the eagle feather.

2021

RCMP signs historic agreement with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to reduce violence against Inuit women, children and gender-diverse persons.

2021

Release of "The RCMP Path of Reconciliation: Strengthening Trust in the RCMP" report.

2021

Release of divisional reconciliation strategies.

2021

Addition of a new eagle feather in orange beads added to the RCMP National Eagle Staff to honour and commemorate the legacy of residential schools and the thousands of Indigenous children who attended them.

2021

RCMP commemorates the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by raising the "Survivor's Flag" and having employees engage in an internal 30 Days of Action.

2022

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the RCMP collaborate on a workplan to improve the relationship between the RCMP and Inuit communities. Many of the action items flow from recommendations made by the National Inuit Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Inuit Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

2022

Release of the Evaluation of the RCMP's Reconciliation Actions (2016-2021).