Aboriginal woman new RCMP commanding officer

Brenda Butterworth-Carr has become the first Aboriginal woman ever promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent within the RCMP. Butterworth-Carr has been appointed to the position of Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer, “F” Division. A member of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation, Butterworth-Carr began her career in 1987 as a special constable in her hometown of Dawson. From there she went to Regina to train as a regular officer and began her climb up Canada’s national police force. Butterworth-Carr was selected for the Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer position with the full endorsement of the Saskatchewan provincial government. The current Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Russ Mirasty, member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, will be retiring after 36 years of service to the RCMP. A Change of Command ceremony is planned for later this year.