Four Nations host RCMP musical ride

The RCMP Musical Ride galloped into Ermineskin Cree Nation on Aug. 26 and 27, one of just 21 communities where the quintessentially Canadian icons were scheduled to perform in July, August and September. It also marked the first time in history that RCMP horses were stabled on First Nations lands.

The Hobbema Cadet Corp. hosted the riders over two days, and took the opportunity to promote their program. Girls and boys between the ages of eight and 18, who attend school full time, can participate in the program, which was developed to suit and accommodate First Nations and Metis youth. The program however is open to all, regardless of heritage. Current members number about 650.

The event not only put the spotlight on the talented horses and riders, who train for months perfecting their timing and co-ordination for such cavalry drills as the wagon wheel, the dome and the charge, all choreographed to music, but it also brought some awareness to the long history of relations between the RCMP and Native communities like the four nations at Hobbema. The event also helped nullify some negative publicity abou t the community, in regard to gang violence.

"It was to let people know that the negative news items that hit the media, those are a few people in our community that unfortunately are establishing some negative notoriety for community," said Anne Wildcat, Four Nations Musical Ride Co-ordinator. "However, there is a lot of very good people in our community that are very hard-working and love their community."

The love and support of the community shone through on Saturday and Sunday and "we really appreciated that," Anne Wildcat added.

"We know our community isn't perfect, but we still care and we want it to be respected and this really was one of the avenues in which it could happen."

Over the course of two days, the 32 horses and riders, plus the member in charge, performed for a crowd of about 1,800. The riders are police officers that have at least two years of active police work who volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride troupe.

The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain the local community. That was the same year that the Plains Cree entered into Treaty 6.

At the time of the signing, the "Redcoats" were assigned the duty of protecting the Cree and the treaty, and the relationship was forged.

After the much-anticipated performance was over, the troops lined up facing the fence so that young and old could pet the horses and ask the riders questions about their experiences as members of the ride and as RCMP.

"The fact that the RCMP are trying to establish themselves a little better in the community and are seen as a positive thing in the community as opposed to a negative authority is a great thing," said Wildcat.

For further details about the RCMP Musical Ride go to www.rcmp.ca. For more information on the Hobbema Cadet Corp Program and how to apply, contact Cst. Richard D. Huculiak at (780) 585-3893.