Alert Bay RCMP participate in local Indigenous Healing Gathering

Alert Bay

2025-02-19 10:28 PST

Alert Bay RCMP officers were asked by local ‘Namgis Chief and Council to participate in their 5th annual Missing Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Healing gathering on February 13, 2025.

This year, police officers from the Indigenous Policing Service (IPS) walked with the local ‘Namgis Community, and the Alert Bay Detachment Commander and frontline police officers led the procession with their police vehicle as everyone walked together to the ‘Namgis Big House.

Photo of Sgt. Erin Stevenson, Alert Bay RCMP Detachment Commander; Anne Jackson, Detachment Service Assistant; and Cst. Bruce Verhaeghe, putting up a display outside of Alert Bay Detachment to showcase their support of the 5th annual healing gathering.

Photo of Sgt. Erin Stevenson, Alert Bay RCMP Detachment Commander; Anne Jackson, Detachment Service Assistant; and Cst. Bruce Verhaeghe, putting up a display outside of Alert Bay Detachment to showcase their support of the 5th annual healing gathering.

The ceremony inside the Big House consisted of an overview history of MMIW, honouring Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, mourning songs, presentations to family members, lunch, feast songs and cultural sharing. The Alert Bay RCMP provided fruit to all participants as a contributing appreciation.

Photo from left to right: Mrs. Sharp; IPS police officer Cst. Seanan Sharp; event organizer Ms. Georgina Isaac-Speck; and ‘Namgis Elected Chief, Victor Isaac.

One IPS police officer, Cst. Seanan Sharp attended with his wife on his day off and to his surprise was asked to come forward. He received a special recognition by the event organizer Georgina Isaac-Speck for his efforts towards reconciliation, building relationships with elders, youth and community members and his volunteer work at numerous special events. He was presented with a gift from Georgina and ‘Namgis Elected Chief Victor Isaac.

Photo of IPS police officer Cst. Seanan Sharp speaking into the microphone to Chief Victor Isaac to showcase his appreciation.

We were all so honoured to participate in this event and to be invited into the Big House in uniform to participate, listen, learn and to show our support and respect, said Sgt. Erin Stevenson, Detachment Commander for Alert Bay.

When I see our police officers participating in events like this and walking side by side with community members to the Big House for the healing gathering, I feel incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment. Their presence in these moments is a powerful act of solidarity and respect, reflecting the detachment’s ongoing efforts to stand with the community—not just in times of crisis, but in times of remembrance and healing. This is what builds true and lasting relationships, said Chief Superintendent Bruce Singer, District Commander for Vancouver Island RCMP.

Alert Bay RCMP is so grateful to their hosts at ‘Namgis First Nation for welcoming them into this sacred event.

Released by:
BC RCMP Communication Services
778-290-2929

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