The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is concerned about the departure of former RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore.
The FSIN says it firmly stands with Blackmore for her dedication to First Nation communities.
Blackmore said earlier this month that a senior executive at the RCMP national headquarters removed her from her position.
“We firmly stand with Assistant Commissioner Blackmore,” said File Hills Qu’Appelle Council, Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns, in a media release sent out by the FSIN. “Her time as F Div. CO has been defined by unwavering integrity, accountability, and a dedication to First Nation communities.”
Blackmore has led the Saskatchewan RCMP through several high-profile incidents, including the stabbings in James Smith Cree Nation.
Chiefs are now calling for the reinstatement of Blackmore until an external investigation can be conducted, immediat creation of independent oversight on these manners, and a formal commitment to protect officers who strive for positive change.
“We expect the Office of the Public Sector and Integrity Commissioner to conduct a nonpartisan investigation into public concerns of serious wrongdoing and misuse of the RCMP’s internal whistleblower policy in attempts by the National RCMP Leadership to silence Rhonda Blackmore,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “The FSIN Executive consider Rhonda and her team as strong allies, who have worked passionately to address systemic issues for our people. We want to ensure justice is done — for Rhonda Blackmore, for the integrity of the RCMP, and for the First Nations people across Saskatchewan.”