The Federation of Sovereignty Indigenous Nations (FSIN) demands answers after the sudden elimination of Rhonda Blackmore as an officer in command of the RCMP F division of Saskatchewan.
Blackmore, a 30 -year -old RCMP veteran who took the work of the assistant commissioner in April 2021, felt relieved of his duties on June 3. In a statement sent by email that day, Blackmore said the decision was “the result of anonymous complaints.” She has not publicly commented on her removal since then.
“We are firmly with the assistant commissioner Blackmore,” said tribal chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the File Hills Qu’appelle Tribal Council in a joint statement of the FSIN. “His time as F Division co has been defined by unwavering integrity, responsibility and a dedication to the communities of First Nation.”
The executive members and several tribal councils of the FSIN, which represents 74 first nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore’s commitment to community surveillance and highlighted his leadership during the key crises, including the mass murders of 2022 in James Smith Cree Nation. They also pointed out their efforts to improve indigenous recruitment, foster confidence through work agreements with communities and promote systemic reform within the RCMP.
“Rhonda showed a strong leadership for a crisis time for James Smith,” said Prince Albert’s great council Brian Brian Hardlotte, in Fsin’s statement. “She, along with her team, worked hard to develop confidence through her compassion and understanding.”
The FSIN said that the lack of public explanation and absence of consultation for the elimination of Blackmore has caused confidence in the internal processes of the RCMP.
The FSIN made three demands:
- The immediate restoration of Blackmore waiting for a transparent external investigation.
- The establishment of independent supervision for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly with respect to anonymous complaints.
- A formal commitment to protect RCMP officials who advocate the reform and security of the community.
The head of Fsin, Bobby Cameron, also urged the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner to investigate what he describes as the improper use of the RCMP complainants policy.
“We want to ensure that justice is done, for Rhonda Blackmore, for the integrity of the RCMP and for the people of the first nations in Saskatchewan,” Cameron said.
RCMP responded with a statement.
“The RCMP values its relationship with the Federation of Sovereignty Indigenous Nations and the leadership of the first nations, and is totally committed to community surveillance and responsibility,” said the statement.
He added that the appointment of an interim officer “will not have an impact on first -line police operations or the security of indigenous communities during this intermediate period.”
The RCMP said it is confident that Division F officers will continue to serve indigenous communities with dedication and professionalism.
