“Louis Riel was a leader, and he fought for the rights of Indigenous people. In my role as a Member of the RCMP, I also want to be a leader and stand up for of all those who are vulnerable.”
-Constable Cameron Riel, RCMP, Thompson Detachment
Constable Cameron Riel is in his first year as a Member of the RCMP, posted in Thompson, Manitoba. Like many of the people he encounters, both on and off the job, you might recognize his last name. That’s because Cameron is a descendent of Louis Riel, a renowned Métis leader, politician, and the founder of Manitoba, known for his commitment to advocating for Métis and Indigenous rights and his devotion to social justice and equality for all.
“Louis Riel was my grandpa’s great uncle,” said Cameron. “I’m super proud of my last name and of my heritage.”
From a very young age, Cameron knew that he wanted to join the RCMP. In fact, he can’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. Growing up in Winnipeg, he feels fortunate to be from a supportive and attentive family. His mother taught him to always treat others with kindness and his older sister, who is a nurse, demonstrated the passion and importance of being a first responder. He credits his father with teaching him to embrace his Indigenous culture and his important heritage, as a descendent of Louis Riel.
“As an educator, currently the Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education for the Winnipeg School Division, my dad has always been an influence on my sister and me pursuing higher education and learning about our culture,” says Cameron. “He exposed us to different traditions and brought us to a variety of cultural celebrations. My dad encouraged us to be proud of who we are and where we come from.”
Compared to stories of discrimination and racism told to him by his father and grandfather, Cameron feels grateful to have been able to experience and grow into his culture on his own terms. In university, he minored in Indigenous Studies to learn more about the people who came before him and the sacrifices they made.
“My grandpa experienced racism at an early age. He used to share stories about how he couldn’t walk to school without being taunted by other kids or being told that he wasn’t able to walk on ‘their’ sidewalk,” said Cameron. “My dad experienced racism while playing sports and was called a ‘traitor’ based on his lineage and relation to Louis Riel. For those who came before me, it wasn’t always seen as a positive thing to be Métis. However, now it is more celebrated, and I recognize my privilege.”
One way that Cameron chose to celebrate and experience his culture is by participating in the Canadian Armed Forces Bold Eagle Program in Wainwright, Alberta before beginning his RCMP training. The Bold Eagle Program combines Indigenous culture and teachings with military training and is aimed at helping participants develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect, and fitness. While taking part in this program in the summer of 2022, Cameron was given his Spirit Name in a ceremony with an elder.
“My Spirit Name, Grey Eagle Wing Man, gives me strength and guidance in life,” he said. “Carrying my Spirit Name gives me another way to connect with my culture and I’m honoured to have it.”
The Bold Eagle Program prepared Cameron for his Depot experience. He felt ready to be away from home and make his dreams of joining the RCMP come true. Cameron feels privileged to have made some wonderful, lifelong connections at Depot and enjoyed working together to overcome the challenges and opportunities of the training experience. However, there was one part of his Depot experience that was completely unique to Cameron and his family.
Depot: Steeped in Canadian History and a Significant Place for Cameron’s Family
In November 1885, Louis Riel was executed by hanging at the old Regina Court House, which sat on what is now the site of Depot, the RCMP’s training academy.
Stepping foot on the grounds of Depot, Cameron was filled with mixed emotions knowing what that location means for his family. When they gathered at Depot to celebrate Cameron’s graduation, they took the time to hold a traditional ceremony and spread tobacco where Louis Riel was executed.
“It was a surreal and emotional experience. We honoured him and the land in ceremony, where I spent my training and achieved one of my greatest accomplishments,” said Cameron.
Starting his career in Thompson, known as “The Hub of the North” in Manitoba, was Cameron’s first choice. Thompson is located in Treaty 5 land, on the traditional territory of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House), which is located about 45 minutes west of Thompson. Cameron’s fiancée, Rachelle, is a proud member of Nelson House and grew up in Thompson and Cameron felt an immediate connection to the community.
First Lessons as an RCMP Member
Something he has learned since being on the job is that balance between personal and work life is key to success and happiness.
“It important to balance personally, emotionally and spiritually,” said Cameron. “Being in Thompson, I can connect more to the community through my fiancée’s family, and I do not feel isolated or disassociated. We take opportunities often to visit with family and explore the land. Those connections are so important.”
Thanks to a wonderful field trainer, Cameron spent the first six months on the job absorbing and learning everything he could. He is also extremely grateful for the wonderful team of colleagues at the Thompson RCMP Detachment who show up every day with the goal of making a positive impact on the community and the individuals they serve.
Whenever he has the opportunity, Cameron takes the time to be out in the community connecting with people, attending events and being visible. It is important that police officers are seen as positive role models and people who are there to help, especially in a community with a large indigenous population.
“Historically, the relationship between the RCMP and Indigenous people has not been the most positive. I understand this and I know this is a challenge,” said Cameron. “My goal is to change people’s outlook. I want them to see past my uniform. As an Indigenous Member of the RCMP, I strive to be a liaison between the police and the community and to break down barriers and stereotypes. I want to be someone who they trust and someone who they know is here to help.”
Cameron is determined to make a difference and follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, and in just a short time on the job, it is evident that he is doing just that.
