February 21, 2001

Community Cadet Corps welcomes new troop and new sponsors

Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation became the newest member of the Community Cadet Corps today receiving its colours from a senior Troop of Cadets from Stanley Mission.

The Community Cadet Corps functions like other Cadet groups in that it provides positive activities for young people including marching, sports and cultural activities. The Corps is a partnership between the RCMP and the Wicihitowin Foundation, a non-profit organization which serves as a living legacy to First Nations Veterans. The Community Cadet Corps has secured community funding to help maintain and expand the program in Saskatchewan over the next five years. Today, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) announced it will provide $10,000 annually over the next five years to the Wicihitowin Foundation which will use the money to support the activities of the Community Cadet Corps. The funding is part of SGI's ongoing commitment to support crime prevention initiatives across the province.

"The program is making a difference and we are pleased to support the Community Cadet Corps," says Don Cody, Chair of SGI's Board of Directors. "It is providing Saskatchewan youth with alternative, positive ways to spend their free time and building positive relationships with law enforcement."

Ruth Ahenakew-Madill of the Wichitowin Foundation welcomed SGI as a Charter Member of the Foundation and as a partner in the Cadet Corps program. "Wicihitowin is in the business of building partnerships," says Ahenakew-Madill. "All of our partnerships (like the Community Cadet Corps) aim to provide opportunities for Aboriginal Youth."

"I see the Cadet Corps as an example of community policing at its finest," says Assistant Commissioner Harper Boucher, Commanding Officer of RCMP "F" Division. "It brings police and young people together in a relaxed environment."

The Corps was created in 1996 at Carry the Kettle by Cpl. Rick Sanderson of the RCMP. The program was piloted in three communities and was proven successful. Due to that success, the RCMP dedicated a full-time member to the program and SGI provided initial funding helping the Corps to grow to more than 20 programs across the province.

For more information, contact:
Heather Russell
RCMP Media Relations
Regina
(306) 780-6178

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