Rupert. Earlier this month there was a big celebration when elder Violet Neasloss celebrated her 99^th birthday. We’re not sure who organized it but three members of the RCMP, dressed in Red Serge, escorted violet in a police car from her home to a community potlatch where she was greeted by children in traditional dress.

The three members of her escort, Cpl Wade Dargatz, Cst Lee Ingeberg and Cst Justin Hindson, were given seats at the head table as Violet’s guests at the potlatch. Cst Hindson says the members of the Prince Rupert Coastal Policing Unit have a strong connection to the community they patrol. He adds “It was a real honour being invited to sit at the head table. Violet is a respected elder with wisdom and the rare ability to communicate clearly amd pass on her knowledge and culture to the youth.” 

CsT Hindson says “everyone enjoyed the celebrations and appreciated having us assist while dressed in Red Serge. It was a celebration of mutual respect and traditions. The reaction from the attending crowd helped remind me why I became a Mountie in the first place.”