(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Uplifting events

RCMP musical ride makes debut at JSCN

Jul 19, 2023 | 8:07 AM

Acknowledging the combination of thunder and heavy rain does not create ideal conditions for a musical ride, Sgt. Major Scott Williamson stated these are the shows that are incredibly memorable.

The RCMP’s Riding Master made the remarks during Tuesday’s event at James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN), which marked a first for the community and came nearly 10 months after the tragic and horrific events of Sept. 4 that left 11 people dead and injured another 17. Noting how he was feeling very emotional about being in the community, Williamson said he drew strength from seeing the RCMP’s horses and riders persevere in the poor weather conditions.

“It’s honestly like full circle when you think of what this community went through this past September and our members gutted it out and they pushed hard, and they persevered for this community, it was almost apropos,” he said.

In celebration of it’s 150th anniversary, the RCMP musical ride will travel to dozens of communities this year. And it was in fact the RCMP who approached JSCN leadership about the idea of holding the event in the community. Williamson explained tragedies like the one last September can happen in any community and it’s the RCMP’s responsibility to help lift peoples spirits.

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“It just only stood to reason that if we are gonna be in Saskatchewan, we had to come to James Smith Cree Nation,” he said, adding Tuesdays event provided an opportunity for both the community and the RCMP to heal together.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Lined up for the show. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW?

For Williamson, Tuesday’s event was also in many ways a homecoming. In 2001, the Saskatchewan born officer’s first posting within the RCMP was at the Melfort detachment.

”When you first get posted to a community, that first posting becomes your foundation which your career is built upon. So I am forever indebted to this community,” he explained.

As well around the same time of the stabbings, Williamson also suffered a great loss – his longtime favourite stable horse “Arctic” passed away. As a special gift to the community, Williamson presented the braided horse’s tail. Elder Wendy Constant will in turn incorporate the gift into pow wow regalia.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am that Arctic is gonna live on through this community,” he said.

Williamson presents the horse tail to elder Wendy Constant. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Also among Tuesday’s special moments was the announcement that 13-year old Napew Burns from Kinistino was among the winners of the RCMP’S National Name the Foal contest.

The RCMP has been breeding its own horses for more than 80 years. And Canadian kids – aged 14 years old and younger, were asked to provide names for the 12 new foals recently born at the breeding farm in Pakenham, Ontario. The RCMP received over 3,100 total entries, with more than 200 from schools. The name chosen by Burns was Wayacawiw, which will mark the first time a horse has an indigenous name.

‘It means he or she stands ready to run,” he told paNOW

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

As a contest winner, Burns will receive a 2023 Musical Ride horseshoe, a picture of the horse they named and a certificate signed by the RCMP Commissioner.

Burns, who sat with JSCN’s three Chiefs during the musical ride said his favourite part was when RCMP performed the “swinging fence” and “diamond” formations.

Since Tuesday also marked Burns’s birthday, RCMP members joined together in singing him happy birthday.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Chief Wally Burns, who earlier expressed to paNOW his excitement for the event, reiterated on Tuesday it was an awesome thing for the community.

“Even the Creator said boom,” he noted.

Noting the RCMP have in the past not been present in the community, Burns described the musical ride as a blessing in disguise, adding it opened a lot of eyes for both both youth and elders.

Burns also noted that following the events of Sept. 4, the RCMP’s response time to the community and overall communication have greatly improved.

To show their appreciation, Chiefs Calvin Sanderson and Wally Burns presented their guests with a number of special gifts. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Chief Calvin Sanderson speaks with a member of the RCMP.. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell