On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Kúkwpi7 (Chief) for Simpcw First Nation, George Lampreau and council signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Barriere RCMP detachment in a ceremony held in the Chu Chua Community Hall.
Seated at the signing table was Simpcw Kúkwpi7, George Lampreau and Deputy Commissioner, Dwayne MacDonald, Commanding Officer of the B.C. RCMP.
Some of the honoured guests present included visiting RCMP Sgt. Rob Welsman (formerly of Barriere) and detachment commander, Cpl. Kyle Camalush of the Barriere RCMP. Members of the Clearwater RCMP and BCHP detachment were also present as invited guests accompanied by their detachment commander, Sgt. Grant Simpson.
The event was well attended by Simpcw band council, community members and invited guests, starting with an honour song presented by the Simpcw Drummers.
Simpcw has been working on a Memorandum of Understanding with RCMP for the past few years with the primary purpose of the MOU being a working partnership with RCMP that will facilitate a connection of services offered by Simpcw to its band members, especially in times of crisis.
Simpcw Kúkwpi7 (Chief), George Lampreau and band council feel the signing of this important document symbolizes continued relationship building between the Simpcw community and RCMP, strengthening a positive partnership as they work together to keep the thriving community healthy, happy and safe.
Lampreau shared his desire to build upon territory Partnerships in the future, saying, “As we build these partnerships with the RCMP and with the Mayors from McBride, Valemount, Clearwater and Barriere, we become a stronger collective voice to facilitate positive growth together in our territory. It’s about being good neighbours.”
Simpcw Councilor, Tina Donald, was master of ceremonies for the event and explained the objective behind this MOU to those in attendance, saying, “We have been working at a positive relationship between our Simpcw community and the RCMP in the local Barriere detachment, especially with our youth and very young members. We want our youth to see the RCMP in a positive light and be comfortable in their presence. The RCMP members have a stressful job protecting our territory and we want to continue sharing positive stories about our local detachments.”
Following the official signing of the MOU by Chief Lampreau and Deputy Commissioner Dwayne MacDonald, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP, he said, “This Memorandum of Understanding between the Simpcw First Nation, Barriere Detachment and the BC RCMP is an important step in our continued partnership. The agreement was developed in the community, by the community and for the community.” MacDonald stressed the importance of maintaining strong communication and collaboration with Simpcw First Nation in the future.
As the event concluded, Simpcw councillor Donald extended a warm invitation to the RCMP members to continue to feel free to visit the community in friendship followed by a closing honour song blessing and traditional salmon luncheon.
