FORT MCMURRAY – The Alberta RCMP Eagle Staff made an appearance at Fort McMurray’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
“The eagle staff is a unique, sacred symbol that represents traditional Indigenous culture and clans,” reads an RCMP press release.
The staff is meant to be used at ceremonies and celebratory functions, in the same way that a nation’s flag would be.
Corporal Darrel Laboucan of Sturgeon Lake First Nation marched with the veterans and carried the eagle staff for the first time, representing Indigenous peoples and Mounties in the colour party.
“It was a great and welcomed opportunity to bring the K Division Eagle Staff to Remembrance Day ceremonies in Fort McMurray,” said Cpl. Laboucan.
“As the only eagle staff carrier for the Alberta RCMP, I felt honoured to be included in the colour party for the ceremony. Our detachment puts a major emphasis on relationship building within our community, especially our surrounding Indigenous communities and this was a great reflection of that ongoing commitment.”
Fort McMurray’s Remembrance Day ceremony was led by the Royal Canadian Legion with Wood Buffalo RCMP Superintendent Mark Hancock and other detachment members.
