A Diamond Jubilee
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CELEBRATION FEATURING THE RCMP MUSICAL RIDE
RCMP AND THE MONARCHY “GET ON PARADE” QUEEN ELIZABETH II
GARDENS HISTORY OF THE RIDE
Regina Saskatchewan, August 11-13Ride 2012 A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical
RCMP LE CENTRE DU HERITAGE PATRIMOINE CENTRE DE LA GRC
THE RCMP HERITAGE CENTRE EXTENDS A SINCERE THANK YOU TO OUR MEDIA SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION FEATURING THE RCMP MUSICAL RIDE.
rcmpheritagecentre.com
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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Inside 04
LOOKING FORWARD, REFLECTING BACK– THE RCMP AND THE MONARCHY
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THE MEDICINE LINE
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CRCEC HOOP DANCE TROUPE – INSPIRING STUDENTS, COMMUNITY AND AUDIENCES
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GREY BUFFALO SINGERS
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RCMP PIPES & DRUMS
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QUEEN ELIZABETH II GARDENS: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS – THE SASKATCHEWAN LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
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DOGS ON PATROL
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A PRAIRIE CHAMPION – BROOKLYN BRAUN
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“GET ON PARADE”
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THE PROVINCIAL LANDAU – ONE LAST RIDE IN STYLE
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BUILDING HOPE
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HISTORY OF THE RCMP MUSICAL RIDE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS – A DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Cover Photo Source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters. A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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July 4, 1973 – Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the RCMP “Depot” Division in Regina to participate in the RCMP’s 100th Anniversary celebration. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
LOOKING FORWARD, REFLECTING BACK:
THE RCMP AND THE MONARCHY BY: INSP. SHELDON BOLES (RCMP RETIRED)
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pon the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, we find ourselves with cause to celebrate and reflect. At once, we look forward to the promising future of the Crown in Canada, but we also look back, more broadly, at the Royal Family’s illustrious relationship with the Force, with “The Cradle of the Force” here at “Depot” Division, and with Regina, the Queen City. This association between Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Monarchy dates back to 1897 when the Force made their international debut at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. When the Canadian government was deciding on which military units were to be sent to the Diamond
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Jubilee, it was Nicholas Davin, Member of Parliament for Regina, who stressed in the House of Commons that the Canadian contingent should include members of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). In his words, they were the “finest body of men to be found in the Empire.” Sir Richard Cartwright, Minister of Trade and Commerce, welcomed the unanimous vote to send the NWMP members, seeing it as an opportunity to prove that the Canadian West was no longer a lawless frontier. In 1897, Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier approved the attendance of twenty-five NWMP members and twenty-eight horses at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London, England.
Commissioner Lawrence Herchmer was anxious to ensure that the NWMP contingent would include the Force’s finest representatives. His concern was that the Force would be making their international debut and would be watched by the finest cavalry regiments in the British Empire. The Commissioner requested that the NWMP contingent be provided with a uniform approved for this occasion. This request was approved by the Prime Minister. The key component of this uniform was the prairie Stetson hat. It was the Stetson and the scarlet tunic that would become synonymous with the Force around the world.
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Photograph of 1897 NWMP Contingent in England at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The member in the middle is Supt. A.B. Perry who would later become the Commissioner of the RCMP in 1900. Staff Sergeant Fred Bagley (Left of Perry) was on the original NWMP March West in 1874. (Photo source: RCMP Strategic Partnerships and Heritage Branch)
In London, Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier led the Colonial Procession (followed by the Royal Procession) escorting Queen Victoria from Buckingham Palace. At the time, the London newspapers reported on the popularity of, and curiosity surrounding, the Canadian Mounted Police. On July 1, 1897, Queen Victoria inspected the NWMP and the Canadian contingent at Aldershot. On the following day at Buckingham Palace, each of the NWMP members received their Queen Victoria Coronation medal from the Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VII). With the outbreak of the the South African or “Boer War” in 1899, the government permitted twohundred and fifty NWMP members to join two Canadian regiments heading to South Africa: the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles and the Lord Strathcona’s Horse.
These regiments earned a reputation as fierce fighters who distinguished themselves by their bravery, courage, and leadership. Many awards were bestowed on Force members, including: the Victoria Cross, the Order of the Bath, the Companions of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, the Victorian Order, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. In recognition for their service in the Boer War, members of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse were sent from South Africa to London to parade through the streets and to be personally presented with their South Africa Medals by King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace. In 1904, the prefix “Royal” was granted to the Force by King Edward VII for their members’ service in the Boer War. From the Boer War, the Force adopted the Strathcona boots, which are now
known as “high browns,” another key symbol of the RCMP. With repeated acts of heroism and notable achievements by NWMP members, the Royal Family were drawn to travel to Regina to visit the home of the Mounted Police – “Depot” Division. Beginning in 1901, with the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, members of the Royal Family have visited “Depot” Division on fourteen different occasions. On October 6, 1919, the Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VIII) visited “Depot” Division in Regina. He inspected recruits in training and made presentations. One such presentation was the King’s Police Medal and a gold watch to Inspector Thomas Caulkin, one of two members who had completed a murder investigation by travelling 5,153 miles on a dog sled in 1917.
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
6 According to news reports at the time, “[t]he Prince showed a particular interest in his visit to the Headquarters of this splendid and romantic corps. In his inspection, the Prince saw the reason why the physique of the men should be so splendid and their nerve so sure. The training of the RNWMP makes no appeal to the weakling of spirit or flesh. He saw their firm discipline. He saw them breaking in the bucking broncos they had to ride. He saw them go through exhausting mounted tests. His congratulations on their wonderful show were expressed with great warmth.” In 1920, the Canadian government expanded the duties of the Force to take over federal policing from the Dominion Police. As such, the name of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police changed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In this same year, the Prince of Wales accepted the
October 6, 1919 – Photograph of the Prince of Wales inspecting the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP) recruits at “Depot” Division. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division). A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
appointment as the Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP. At the coronation of King George VI in 1937, the RCMP provided a contingent of two officers, thirty-five men and horses. After the coronation, the contingent was invited to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace for a private review by King George, Queen Elizabeth and the young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. It has been suggested that this special request was made by the young princess Elizabeth who wanted a closer view of the scarlet Mounties and their famous horses. On May 25, 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were the first ruling British monarchs to visit “Depot” Division and were accompanied by Canada’s Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
They attended a church service at the RCMP Chapel followed by a tea in the Officers’ Mess while the RCMP Band played outside. After an hour of rest, the official delegation was given a tour of “Depot” Division. The royal visitors were particularly impressed with the RCMP Chapel, the Crime Laboratory, and the splendid music provided by the RCMP Band. On October 17, 1951, Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip paid a visit to “Depot” Division. As the Royal procession entered “Depot” from Dewdney Avenue, they were lead to the parade square by a mounted escort of RCMP members. The parade square was lined with recruits at five pace intervals. As the Royal couple exited their vehicle, the RCMP Band played the Royal Salute. They were greeted by Commissioner Leonard Nicholson,
Photograph of the high brown boots issued to all RCMP members. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
7 who then introduced the Royals to the Minister of Justice and other dignitaries. Before visiting the Chapel, the Royal couple took in a Musical Ride performance. At the Chapel, Princess Elizabeth mentioned that she had just spoken to her mother, Queen Elizabeth, on the telephone. Her mother commented on how impressed she was with her memories of the RCMP Chapel. Their next stop was a visit to the RCMP Museum. The princess was particularly interested in certain exhibits, including a model of the RCMP ship, the “St. Roch,” the Mad Trapper artifacts and the native artwork. The final location to be visited by the Royals was the Officers’ Mess. Here, the Royals were presented with a hardbound copy of John Peter Turner’s book, The North-West Mounted Police.
With the death of her father in 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For her coronation parade on June 2, 1953, the RCMP sent a contingent of forty-six men and forty-six horses. In 1953, Queen Elizabeth became the Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP. Since that time, she has cherished her relationship with the Force. After the coronation parade, Queen Elizabeth asked for a private inspection of the RCMP contingent at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace with Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne. The Queen and Prince Philip took a sincere interest in the background of each rider and horse that was present at the inspection. In a visit to Regina and “Depot” Division in 1959, the Queen requested a private meeting with “Depot” Training Officer Inspector Herbert Robertson.
May 25, 1939 – Photograph of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth leaving the RCMP Chapel at “Depot” Division. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
A Golden Jubilee Celebration Featuring the Musical Ride
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May 25, 1939 -- Photograph of His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth taken at the Cenotaph,“Depot” Division. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division). Insp. Robertson had been born and raised on the Royal Estate at Balmoral and, as such, had many associations with the Royal Family. This private meeting provided them the opportunity to update each other on their respective families. In 1968, Staff Sergeant Ralph Cave, the Riding Master for the RCMP Musical Ride, suggested that the RCMP present one of the Musical Ride’s horses to Queen Elizabeth. The suggestion was supported by the Commissioner and the Canadian government. Police Service Horse (PSH) “Burmese” was selected to become the Queen’s horse. In April 1969, “Burmese” accompanied the Musical Ride to London for the Royal Windsor Horse Show. On April 28, 1969, at Windsor Castle, “Burmese” was presented to Queen Elizabeth by Commissioner Malcolm Lindsay along with Staff Sergeant Ralph Cave. The Queen was extremely pleased with the presentation and asked that “Burmese” perform in a Musical Ride demonstration already scheduled at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
In addition, she asked that the rider of “Burmese” carry her Royal Standard on the lance instead of the traditional red and white pennon. In doing so, the Queen could easily follow the performance of “Burmese.” As a result of receiving “Burmese,” the Queen established a friendship with Staff Sergeant Ralph Cave due to their shared love of horses. When Ralph Cave retired from the RCMP, the Queen continued this association with the Force by maintaining friendships with subsequent Riding Masters. In 1981, the Queen was riding “Burmese” at the annual Trooping of the Colour in London when a man in the crowd fired five blank gun shots. A regular horse would have been startled and bucked off the rider but “Burmese” remained calm due to her equitation training received at “Depot” Division. She had gained experience of gunfire during recruit training when staff would fire blank rounds as recruits took horses through their paces. The Royal Family praised the horse’s
behaviour following this incident. When the Queen was asked many years later which was her favourite horse, her immediate reply was, “‘Burmese’.” On the occasion of the Force’s 100th Anniversary in 1973, Her Majesty attended “Depot” Division to inspect the RCMP Honour Guard and present the Force with its new Guidon, or regimental colours. On this same occasion, the Queen was presented with her second horse from the RCMP – PSH “Centenial.” Staff Sergeant Fred Rasmussen led a long and storied career with the RCMP, from touring around the globe with the Musical Ride, to training two recreational saddle horses for the Queen. Born in 1925 at Strandgaarden, Svendstrup in Fyn, Denmark, Rasmussen immigrated to Canada in 1950, spending time in Hudson Hope, British Columbia, prior to applying to the Force.
October 17, 1951 – Photograph of Commissioner Nicholson providing a tour of the RCMP Museum to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division). In June of 1952, Rasmussen reported to “Depot” Division in Regina, where he was to spend the first fifteen years of his career with the Equitation Branch. His time there included a three month transfer each summer to the Breeding Ranch at Fort Walsh, where he developed suitable remounts for the Force’s Equestrian Program.
June 2, 1953 – Photograph of the RCMP in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation parade. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
Rasmussen was promoted to Riding Master prior to the 1976 Musical Ride. This was another demanding year for the Ride, with notable performances commemorating the United States’ Bicentennial Year, and the Montreal Olympics.
In 1967, Rasmussen moved his family east to Ottawa, following the closure of the Riding School at “Depot” Division. He was kept busy there training remounts, teaching equitation courses, and traveling with the Ride. Rasmussen recalls the year 1973, the Force’s 100th Anniversary, as a particularly eventful year, with nine months of extensive training and touring from coast to coast to mark the celebrations.
Rasmussen recounts a treasured story in his biography, wherein, in May 1977, he was invited, after the presentation of “Centenial” to the Queen, to ride with Her Majesty and Princess Margaret in Windsor Horne Park. The high esteem that Sergeant Rasmussen was held in by Queen Elizabeth was evidenced when, in 1978, he received a personal letter from Her Majesty, expressing her appreciation of his training of “Burmese” and “Centenial,” and wishing him well on his retirement from the Force.
Twice Rasmussen was selected to train police service horses for Her Majesy Queen Elizabeth – “Burmese” in 1969, and “Centenial” in 1973. His excellent training included exercises that developed the horses’ balance, agility, and stamina.
From 1998 to 2009, the Queen would receive two more horses from the RCMP: PSH “James” in 1998 to mark the RCMP’s 125th Anniversary and PSH “George” in 2009 to mark the 40th Anniversary of presenting “Burmese” to the Queen.
In 2002, the Queen presented an Irish horse named “Golden Jubilee” to the RCMP in honour of her Golden Jubilee year. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, she was presented with another horse on May 10, 2012. This horse was a five year-old mare named “Elizabeth” in honour of the late Queen Mother. In 2005, the Queen and Prince Philip paid a visit to Saskatchewan and Alberta to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of these two provinces. On May 19, 2005, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip laid a wreath at the RCMP Cenotaph in memory of the four fallen members who died on March 3, 2005, at Mayerthorpe, Alberta. After the service, in the RCMP Chapel, the Queen and Prince Philip met with the members’ families. In honour of the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the province of Saskatchewan commissioned sculptor Susan Velder to create a larger-thanlife-size bronze statue of Her Majesty riding her favourite A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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July 7, 1953 – Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taking a private inspection of RCMP members and their famous horses. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
April 28, 1969 – Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II discussing “Burmese” with S/Sgt. Ralph Cave after the presentation. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II riding “Burmese” at the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in London. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
July 4, 1973 Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, escorted by Supt. W.F. (Bill) MacRae, inspecting the Honour Guard at the Regina Airport, accompanied by Commissioner W.L. Higgitt. (Photo source: Bill McRae). A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Photograph of S/Sgt. Fred Rasmussen and Queen Elizabeth (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
11 horse – “Burmese.” This statue was unveiled by the Queen in 2005 and is situated north of the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina. This statue and a similar one in Ottawa are the only two statues of the Queen on a horse. On June 8, 2009, HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, presented a gift to the RCMP from Her Majesty the Queen. The gift was a sixteen monthold golden Labrador retriever named “Suzanna.” According to Prince Edward, the Queen Elizabeth personally selected a dog with the registered name Kenside Wallow of Sandringham and named her “Suzanna.” The name was selected from one of her favorite childhood books – Susannah: A Little Girl With the Mounties. As outlined by Prince Edward, this gift represents the long-standing relationship
between the RCMP and the Royal Family. “Suzanna” now serves as “Depot” Division’s mascot and lives with Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown – Commanding Officer of “Depot” Division. Former Riding Master – Sergeant Major Bill Stewart – was involved in the training, selecting and presentation of the two last horses presented to the Queen – PSH “George” and PSH “Elizabeth.” While in England and just prior to presenting the Queen with “George” on May 3, 2009, Bill Stewart was riding “George” and the horse stumbled on the cobble street, throwing him to the ground and injuring his elbow. While in the hospital being treated for the injury, a nurse came to him and advised that a woman had called
inquiring about his condition. Bill’s immediate response was, “it was probably my wife.” The nurse immediately responded, “no, it was the Queen.” “Elizabeth,” the most recent horse presented to the Queen, had been the horse that Bill Stewart rode at the Musical Ride Centre at Rockcliffe, Ontario. Over the years, he has had the privilege to ride with Her Majesty on a few occasions in the company of her Stud Groom – Mr. Terry Pendy. The special friendship between the Queen and Bill Stewart has been enduring. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration, the Canadian Mint created three silver coins. One coin was created to mark the special relationship that Queen Elizabeth has with the RCMP. The RCMP member depicted on
arge and small, Saskatchewan communities one and all. SaskTel is committed to helping both rural and urban people in Saskatchewan. In addition to providing one of the best communications networks in the world, SaskTel is proud to support many community groups and events across the province.
Your Life. Connected.
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July 4, 1973 – Photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II receiving PSH “Centenial” from Commissioner William Higgitt at the RCMP Centennial Celebrations at “Depot” Division. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
May 3, 2009 – Photograph of PSH “George” being presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace by Sergeant Major William Stewart. (Photo source: Eva Zielinska-Millar).
this coin is that of Sergeant Major Bill Stewart. On April 24, 2012, at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth invested Sergeant Major Bill Stewart with the Insignia of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order. This Order was established by Queen Victoria on April 21, 1896, as a reward for extraordinary, important or personal services performed for the Sovereign or the Royal Family. On May 10, 2012, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson conferred the title of “Commissioner in Chief of the RCMP” on the Queen, and the Prime Minister conferred the Queen’s former title of “Honorary Commissioner” on Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. In response to this appointment, Queen Elizabeth broke with tradition and asked that the RCMP replace her Queen’s Life Guard at Buckingham Palace for one day during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. For the past 350 years, the Household Cavalry has provided this ceremonial guard to the ruling monarch at Buckingham Palace.
Photograph of a statue dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her beloved “Burmese” . (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters). A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
On May 23, 2012, an official ceremony took place as the Queen’s Life Guard was replaced by fifteen members of the RCMP. This high honour marked the first time that a non-military unit would be guarding the Sovereign. It was reported that the Queen was at the window as the mounted RCMP delegation rode past Buckingham Palace. As outlined by Bill Stewart, “this is a really unique thrill for us and an event upon which I can head into my retirement from the Force.” The RCMP is proud of its relationship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. In the British press, the Force is commonly referred to as the Queen’s “beloved Mounties.”
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The Medicine Line by Ken Mitchell
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his original play is the story about how NWMP Inspector James Walsh met with Sitting Bull, the war chief of the Lakota Sioux in 1877. Fleeing the US Cavalry after his victory at Little Big Horn, Sitting Bull and 5,000 Lakota crossed into Canada. The Lakota were met, not by soldiers as they had expected, but policemen. Through careful negotiation the two men formed a working relationship built on mutual trust and respect. Here they forged a peace agreement that would allow the Lakota Sioux to remain in British Territory for five years. This short segment is about how the two men met.
Burning Sun’s production of this powerful drama has been touring southern Saskatchewan for five years, in partnership with the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society. The initiative will take up permanent residency in Moose Jaw in 2013 on the very land where the Sioux camped each winter during their stay. Burning Sun Productions brings to the Diamond Jubilee Celebration the powerful dramatic presentation of the first encounter between Walsh and Sitting Bull. The band had fled across the Canadian border, seeking sanctuary after General Custer’s incredible defeat at the Little Bighorn River the year before. Walsh and Sitting Bull met
in council, and forged a peace agreement to allow the Sioux to remain in British territory. The mini-drama is performed by a core cast of seven actors and three horses, directed by Philip Adams.
Burning Sun Productions.
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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Inspiring students, community and audiences
A member of the CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe with hoops in sphere formation. (Photo source: Ryan MacDonald Photography)
CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe What started out as a Grade 7 class project for the school Christmas Concert at the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex (CRCEC) has evolved into a performing hoop dance troupe.
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embers of the dance troupe are positive ambassadors and excellent role models for CRCEC High School and Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation. Since the dance troupe’s inception, they have gained a tremendous amount of experience performing and are in high demand. The education complex is named in honour of the young Mountie who lost her life in the line of duty in 2006. Born to Howard and Denise Cameron, Robin was born on the Beardy’s Okemasis First Nation, located near Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. As a child and adolescent, Robin received her education at both a public and residential school, displaying her tenacity even as a young adult by participating in the Indigenous Games and competing nation-wide in youth soccer. By the time she was a teenager, she found herself in the rewarding yet challenging position of a single mother to her beloved daughter, Shayne. But a life of struggle and obscurity was not Robin’s destiny; instead, she completed two years of university before choosing to follow in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career with the RCMP. As an officer, she embodied all of the valued qualities attributed to the classic Canadian Mountie.
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Robin passed away on July 15, 2006, two hours before the death of her friend and patrol partner, Constable Marc Bourdages. At the funeral held for Robin on the Beardy’s Okemasis First Nation, the Commissioner of the RCMP shared words of praise for the determination, courage, and integrity displayed in her service to her country, declaring that she had “the heart of a Mountie.” Like so many other heroes, Robin cultivated these qualities by not only enduring, but also conquering the challenges encountered in her young but momentous life. Chief Ed Thomas tapped into the overwhelming public sentiment regarding Robin’s legacy: “Her spirit shall never leave us. She came and taught a lot of good lessons.” The hoop dance troupe is also teaching good lessons and works to assist in developing students’ positive self-esteem and image. Other goals of the troupe include providing additional educational opportunities in a supportive, safe and conducive learning environment; increasing student attendance through positive experiences and trips for performances; providing valuable educational
15 programs that will create positive youth role models that will assist students in making healthy lifestyle choices; and, working with youth and community to create a better world through better-educated youth as a continued effort towards cultural enhancement, retention and revitalization. The CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe promotes Aboriginal culture in a positive way through performance and dance. The age range of the CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe is from 7 to 14 years old. Every hoop dancer has his/her own reason or meaning behind why they dance. Historically, each region also had its own reason for performing the hoop dance, ranging from socialization to medicinal purposes. Through dance, the performers communicate the common message behind why troupe members dance. Similarly, the audience is encouraged to interpret the dance in the way they feel appropriate. Troupe members perform with 21 hoops. Each dancer begins the traditional way by working with one hoop. This is a dancer’s own way to acknowledge his/her connection with Mother Earth. Two hoops are then used to symbolize a dancer’s connection with the moon and sun or a Mother and Father. Next dancers work with three hoops, then five hoops. The dancers continue on to dance with eight, then ten hoops and finish with twenty-one hoops. Each dancer connects and interlays his/her hoops to form naturistic symbols. As Aboriginal people, we pride ourselves on having harmony with nature; therefore, we honour Mother Earth and our universe through this dance. Recognizable symbols include a sphere that symbolizes Mother Earth, the moon or the sun. Other naturistic symbols include insects, an eagle and other birds, a butterfly, a flower, a tree, a snake, a fly, and many more.
By applauding at recognizable symbols during a performance, the audience can communicate with the dancers, in turn, giving them extra energy during their performance. _________________________________________ Present members of CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe: Andrew J. DeBray, Julianna DeBray, Leah Gamble, Thien Gamble, Kayle Mike, Harley Caron, Cameron Yazzie, Julian Sanderson, Monique Gamble, Alex Smallchild, Dwayne Moostoos, Cassidy Gardipy and Brittanni Gardypie. Facebook : facebook.com/crcec.troop YouTube : youtube.com/CRCEC
(Photo Source: Ryan MacDonald Photography)
Cst. Robin Cameron (Photo Source:“Depot” Division)
The CRCEC Hoop Dance Troupe with Troupe Director and Homeroom Teacher Andrew J. DeBray. (Photo Source: Ryan MacDonald Photography) A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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Grey Buffalo Singers
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he original Grey Buffalo Singers formed in 1979. Grey Buffalo Singers is a traditional singing group and most members are Saulteaux and Cree originating from the Gordon First Nation.
The lessons taught through the group include respect for self, one another, elders, and other cultures; respect for drum, drum sticks; the meaning of round dances and rain dances, the importance of smudging with sweet grass and the The group was formed to preserve their meaning traditional language and beliefs through of the singing. Grey Buffalo travels to many different songs; how locations for gatherings and celebrations. Their to make belief is to maintain their culture through song a sweat and dance and being involved in and pick cultural events. medicines; and, George Longman Sr. was the knowledge about each area original teacher of the Grey of dance. Buffalo Singers. He taught many The Grey Buffalo Singers have lessons and songs that had performed for the Prime Minister passed down from generation to generation, stressing the of Canada, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Women of the importance of maintaining our native culture through song Dawn, the Kevin Mackenzie Art and dance. Show, the Prairie Sunset People,
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
a cadet group at an Alberta Base and numerous Host drums at various locations. In 2003, the group was nominated for the Aboriginal Music Awards for their pow-wow album, Live at Long Plains. Three years later in 2006, the group received the Aboriginal People’s Choice Award for their contemporary pow-wow album, Just Trying to Get There. Grey Buffalo Singers believe in preserving their culture by utilizing their traditional skills that were passed down from generation to generation through song and do so by raising awareness of native culture at many different gatherings and celebrations.
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RCMP Pipes & Drums The RCMP has eight pipe and drum bands across Canada. In 1998, the Commissioner and Senior Executive Committee approved a unique tartan and kilted uniform for members of the RCMP community Pipe & Drum bands.
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he headdress is a dark blue glengarry & red touri, complete with an RCMP cap badge centered over the rosette patch on the left side. The red serge tunic is tailored to accommodate wearing of the kilt and RCMP ceremonial belt with gold buckle. RCMP collar dogs are worn on blue gorget patches and RCMP/GRC shoulder flashes are worn on blue epaulettes. The kilt is the RCMP Tartan, 16-ounce, ‘military weight ‘. Other elements of the uniform include a white horsehair sporran with two black tassels, surmounted by a silver metal and/or black leather cantle bearing an RCMP cap badge, dark blue hose, red flashes, white spats, black shoes or brogues. A Skean Dhu may be worn at the discretion of the individual. Medals as awarded to the individual are also worn. The Regina Pipes & Drums was formed on September 24, 2001, under the authority of The Commanding Officer, “F” Division and is based at “Depot” Division. The band serves both Divisions and is a regular feature in the Sunset Ceremonies at “Depot” Division, RCMP Memorial Service and Canadian Police and Peace Officers‘Memorial Service. In addition to playing for police functions, the band also participates in parades, concerts, award ceremonies and fairs throughout the region. The band’s sponsors include the RCMP, Regina area Officers’ Mess, General Mess and the RCMP Regina Veterans’ Association.
As part of the wider RCMP Pipe Band system, the Regina Band regularly sends contingents to perform at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Calgary Stampede Parade and on other occasions when the bands come together. Elements of the Regina band have played in Ottawa, Las Vegas and at Windsor Castle in England. The band is open to civilians as well as regular members of the Force and consists of men and women of all ages and walks of life. Band members provide instruction and also draw expertise from the local pipe band community for workshops. The band has a number of adult learners on both bagpipes and drums.
For the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, the RCMP Regina Pipes & Drums are joined by their colleagues in uniform, the Regina Police Service Pipes & Drums. The RCMP Regina Pipes & Drums have recently entered a partnership with the RCMP Heritage Centre, to help tell the story of the Mounted Police by sharing, with the visiting public and organizations, the long tradition of music in the Force. ABOVE: RCMP Regina Pipes & Drums perform at the 2012 Canada Day SunsetRetreat Ceremony. (Photo Source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters)
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The Queen Elizabeth II Gardens Celebrating 100 years – The Saskatchewan Legislative Building This year Saskatchewan residents will have the opportunity to celebrate three significant anniversaries in the province’s history. 2012 is the 50th anniversary of Wascana Centre, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our rich history, and look to the future,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Kevin Doherty said. “This is an incredibly exciting time in Saskatchewan’s history – our population is at an all time high, we are leading the nation in several economic indicators, and we had the only balanced budget in Canada. All this in the same year that we get to reflect on our history – the events and milestones that shaped our province and led us to where we are today.” There are a number of events planned throughout the summer and fall to celebrate the anniversaries.
On August 12 at 2 p.m., The Queen Elizabeth II Gardens across from the Legislative Building will be reopened to the public after a number of improvements, including new lighting, fully accessible paved pathways to highlight the floral beds, new Tyndall Stone benches, improved irrigation, perimeter landscaping and information panels describing each of The Queen’s six visits to Saskatchewan. “The gardens have been around since the 1920’s but were named after Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 when the statue of Her Majesty on “Burmese” was unveiled during the 100th birthday of the province,” Doherty said. “The current renovations will mark the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Legislative Building and will make the grounds more accessible to the public.” Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Premier and Regina’s Mayor will help celebrate the official opening of the gardens by arriving in the official landau escorted by the 32 member RCMP Musical Ride and their senior officer. This will be the last time the province’s official landau will be used before going on permanent display at Government House. The public party for the 100th anniversary will be held on Thursday, October 11 at the Legislative Building. “Everyone across the province is invited to drop-in and check out this wonderful space,” Doherty said. “This will be an event fit for the greatest province in Canada. As our Premier often says, ‘the only day better than today in Saskatchewan, is tomorrow’ – here’s to the next 100 years.”
Photos courtesy the Government of Saskatchewan.
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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DOGS ON PATROL Police Service Dog Teams provide support to the men and women who serve their communities right across the country. The RCMP uses purebred German shepherds as well as Belgian shepherds (Malinois) in perfect physical condition. They consider these breeds to be the best choice for police work as they are adaptable, versatile, strong, courageous and able to work under extreme climatic conditions. A dog entering the RCMP training program only has a 17 per cent chance of succeeding due to the high standards required. The dog starts police training between 12 and 18 months of age. Basic training is approximately 17 weeks, but training never really ends as daily practice is required to maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness. A dog can search a car in approximately three minutes. Police Service Dogs and their handlers provide support in several areas of Law Enforcement. They are routinely used to locate missing people and evidence, to detect explosives or narcotics, for avalanche rescue, to assist emergency response teams, for VIP security and riot control, as well as to locate and capture fleeing criminals. PSD “Mako” and his handler, Corporal Jason Goodfellow are the newest members of the Dog Section in Saskatchewan, having just arrived this month from British A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Columbia to their new posting in Swift Current. They have been involved in major national and international projects including the Vancouver Olympics and G8 Summits and provided support services to the lower mainland district of Vancouver before coming to Saskatchewan. Police Service Dog: “Mako” Regimental: 876 Type: German Sheppard Color: Black and Tan Age: 2.5 years Sex: Male Weight: 86 lbs
Above: PSD “Mako” and his handler, Corporal Jason Goodfellow. (Photo source: Jackie Goodfellow)
PSD “Mako” is an RCMP breeding program dog that completed the puppy imprinting program and was taken into Basic Training in 2011. “Mako” is trained to locate human scent (small articles, large articles, persons) he is also trained to locate recently fired firearms and narcotics as well as tracking and criminal apprehension.
Did You Know?
•Dogs can work up to four hours with rest intervals. •Currently, there are 112 RCMP dog teams across Canada. •The estimated cost to train a member and dog is $60,000. •Healthy police dogs cost less than $1,000 annually to maintain. •On average, a police service dog retires at the age of seven
Above and below: Police Service Dogs and their handlers take part in a demonstration at a Sunset-Retreat Ceremony on the Parade Square at “Depot” Division in 2012. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters)
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A PRAIRIE CHAMPION:
BROOKLYN BRAUN When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was nine-years-old, she read a book by Muriel Denison called Susannah: A Little Girl With The Mounties, a story of a young girl who is sent to spend the summer with her uncle, a Mountie, at “Depot” Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. Some might say this was the start of the young princess’ admiration of the Mounties and their horses. Her Majesty the Queen is now 86-years-old, and a 13-year-old Canadian girl, Brooklyn Braun is living the story by donning the North-West Mounted Police uniform to ride with the Mounties to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Born and raised on the prairies, Brooklyn Braun started riding at eight years of age and first competed in the sport
Brooklyn Braun rides “Peppys On Top” (Photo source: Brooklyn Braun)
of reining at the age of 11, with her horse “Peppys On Top” (nicknamed Charlie).
San”, the first Canadian horse to sire a medalist at the World Equestrian Games.
In 2010, at the age of 12, she was the Champion Youth Rider for the Saskatchewan Reining horse Association. In 2011, at the age of 13, she captured the Gold Medal in Junior Reining at the Canadian Equestrian Championships in Quebec. Brooklyn also received The Equine Health and Wellness “Steward of the Future” award from the Farm Animal Council and Saskatchewan Horse Federation this year, for her work in 2011.
Brooklyn, a Grade 8 student at Beechy High School, is very active in her community, where she is a right-winger with the Diefenbaker Thunder bantam girls hockey team and was a member of the provincial C softball champions, Beechy Blazers in 2009. She also studies piano and is a member of the Beechy 4 -H light horse club.
Brooklyn’s horse “Peppys On Top”, is a ten-year-old American Quarter horse gelding. He stands 15 hands high and was sired by Canada’s number one sire of reining horses, world famous stallion, “Solanos Peppy
Brooklyn is the daughter of proud parents Brian and Vicki Braun. Her older sister, Courtney, participates in therapeutic riding and special track and field. The Braun family is celebrating 50 years of operating their elite performance horse-breeding program at their ranch in the Coteau Hills, north west of Beechy, Saskatchewan. A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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“GET ON PARADE” This phrase “Get on parade”, is a command that every individual who has gone through basic training at “Depot” Division has been hearing since the NWMP started training recruits (now cadets) back in 1885. Whilst the training syllabus has adapted to keep pace with an ever changing world, the tradition of “getting on parade” has remained. Guard mounts Parades, Fire Pickets, Stable Parades, Early Morning Parades, Pass-Out Parades, Church Parades, Memorial Parades, Sunset Parades, Troop Reviews, and various and sundry parades for special occasions, plus the grand-daddy of them all, the Noon Parade, better known as the Sergeant Major’s Parade. Getting on Parade is the particular domain of Sergeants Major, who have, over the years conducted many different parades at “Depot”, performing both mounted and dismounted cavalry drills.
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Parade Square, “Depot” Division, c, 1946 (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collection).
In the early days, the Sergeant Major’s parade was a time to inspect the condition of members’ uniforms and kit and to ensure there had not been any “deserters” over the night! Sergeant Major François Desfossés, in his final month of service after 38 years with the RCMP, is mustering a unique parade. This parade will not be performed at its usual location – the “Depot” Parade Square – but out in the community of Regina, the home of the RCMP. The aim of this special parade is threefold: to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Centennial of the Saskatchewan Legislative building and to salute RCMP Riding Master, Staff Sergeant Fred Rasmussen who trained “Burmese” and “Centenial” for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Chief Superintendent Louise Lafrance and Suzanna. (Photo source: Chrystal Kruszelnicki).
The tradition starts here.
“Depot” Sgt. Major François Desfossés issues a command to cadets. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
(Photo Source: Government House Collection)
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(Photo Source: Saskatchewan Archives Board)
The Provincial Landau One last ride in style A carriage used to transport Saskatchewan’s highest ranking officials, as well as visiting royalty, will be officially retired on August 12, 2012 after more than a century of service. The carriage, called a landau, is believed to have been first acquired by George Brown in 1905, who would later be appointed Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 1910. “We believe that the landau was originally Brown’s personal mode of transportation,” said Chad Debert, Assistant Manager of Government House. “Once he became the lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan, he brought the landau with him. When his term was over he sold it to his successor Sir Richard Lake. When Sir Richard Lake retired, he urged the government to buy the landau and make it a permanent fixture at Government House. The landau became an official mode of transportation for the province’s future lieutenant governors.” From 1910 to 1940 the landau was used regularly, including in 1939 when Lieutenant Governor Archibald McNab used it to transport King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their visit to Saskatchewan. Once a fixture across Europe and North America, carriages like the landau began to disappear as the
automobile’s popularity surged in the early 20th century. However, Saskatchewan’s landau continued to be used by the lieutenant governor briefly for daily use and eventually only for special occasions.
in Wascana Centre as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Legislative Building celebration. After that it will be incorporated into a permanent educational exhibit at Government House.
From 1945 to 1974, after the closure of Government House, the landau was placed in storage. After almost 30 years hidden away, it found a new home at the RCMP Centennial Museum. “At that time in the history of our province, Government House was seen as a symbol of a bygone era. The decision was made to close the House and auction off its contents. As a result many of the artifacts belonging to the House were scattered. The landau needed a home,” Debert said. “Thankfully the RCMP in Regina came forward.”
“As the decades have passed it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the landau,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Kevin Doherty said. “After 100 years of service it is fitting for the landau to go on permanent display and continue to be appreciated as a piece of our rich provincial history.”
The landau was restored and brought back into service briefly in 1970 before going on exhibit. The Government House museum opened in 1980 and the landau has been used for special occasions, such as the opening of Session at the Legislative Building and receiving special guests. Recently it has been incorporated back into museum exhibits at Government House. The landau will make its final trip on August 12, for the reopening of the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens
Did You Know? • A landau is a four-wheel carriage drawn by two horses. • The word landau comes from a town in southwest Germany, where the style of carriage originated. • This landau was manufactured by E.M. Miller and Company in Quincy, Illinois.
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Building Hope Mountie House is an extraordinary partnership between the employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) “Depot” Division and Habitat for Humanity Regina to build an affordable home for a deserving family in the community. The RCMP and Habitat believe in a simple formula of partnership, cooperation and share responsibility to help improve communities and impact peoples’ lives by creating a happy, healthy and safe environment. In November of 2009, RCMP “Depot” Division and Habitat for Humanity Regina initiated a joint venture to secure the $100,000 needed to build Mountie House in the city of Regina. At the announcement in “Depot” Division’s Drill Hall, cadets performed a new formation that represented the outline of a house and its basic elements a foundation, walls and a roof. This “living house” performance launched celebrations for “Depot” Division’s 125th Anniversary and the new partnership with Habitat for Humanity. “By leveraging our combined resources, we can and we will affect a positive and lasting change
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
in our community,” said Assistant Commissioner Roger L. Brown, Commanding Officer at “Depot” Division “Our mutual mission statement is Building Homes, Building Hope which idealizes this community based project. It is an optimal way for our cadets and our employees to demonstrate their commitment to building strong community relationships.” It was a great moment for both “Depot” Division and Habitat for Humanity Regina when A/Commr. Brown presented the family with the keys to their new home. The hundreds of volunteers, cadets, staff and members contributions continue to make Mountie House a tremendous success. Our vision for Mountie House is to extend the build to each RCMP division across Canada. You can be a part of this amazing experience by partnering with one of Habitat for Humanity’s 72 affiliates and building a Mountie House in your community. Accept the challenge! This national perspective captured a full eight minutes on CBC Television as Canada’s own Rick Mercer braved the Saskatchewan winter to come help build the first Mountie House in -37 degrees Celsius weather.
With great pride, we can say that our National goal is being accomplished with interest in Mountie House projects beginning in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and in the Maritimes. Meanwhile, in Regina, awareness in the community continues to grow as Mountie House 2, the second story, is under way. Led by the cadets, members and staff of “Depot” Division who volunteer their own time, the building of this new home is expected to be completed by fall 2012. “Their work has a positive impact on the lives of the families that take ownership, and also on those who volunteer” said Brown. We are very grateful for the continued support of the residents of Regina and the citizens of the Province of Saskatchewan as we move forward knowing that “Together we are making a difference!” Thank you for caring! Visit our web site at www.mountiehouse.ca to follow our progress. (Photo Source: “Depot” Division)
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History of the RCMP Musical Ride By: Insp. Sheldon Boles (RCMP Retired)
The Charge (Photo Source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters). The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has become a symbol of our country and is the only national police department in the world to receive this recognition. The courage, sacrifice and steadfast determination of Force members to maintain law and order have been the source of many legends, books and movies. The image of RCMP members on their trusted and faithful horses abounds on Canadian stamps, coins, souvenirs, and posters. Many movies and over 300 fiction and non-fiction books have told the tale of the adventures and history of the Force. Even Queen Elizabeth II recalls reading Susannah: A Little Girl With the Mounties when she was only 9 years old. Today’s RCMP Musical Ride provides the general public with a first-hand view of the precision and attention to detail for which the Force has become famous. This article endeavours to provide a brief history of how the Musical Ride has evolved within the RCMP. In early 1869, the Canadian government purchased Rupert’s Land (now known as Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, parts of the eastern Northwest Territories, western Quebec, and most of northern Ontario) from the Hudson’s Bay Company and renamed it the North-West Territories. The government was concerned by what it saw to be increasing lawlessness in the territories. It was the desire of the Canadian government to encourage settlement in the North-West Territories, but, in order to do so, they needed to establish and maintain social order. The idea for instituting a police presence in the territories came from Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald. His recommendation was forwarded to Privy Council on April 6, 1870.
No. 1. Their report recommended a self-sustaining organization, which would be based on a military regimental model. The policing duties of the organization would follow the successful examples of the Royal Irish Constabulary, a force that patrolled on horseback throughout Ireland maintaining law and order, and the London Metropolitan Police. The legislation to organize the police force passed through parliament and received Royal Assent on May 23, 1873. Later that year, an Order-in-Council was issued authorizing the creation of the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). It was originally thought that only 150 men would be required for this new police force, but, later the following year, an
Based on the Privy Council submission, Captain Donald The government decided that the uniforms Roderick Cameron for this new police force would be a plain was tasked to scarlet Norfolk jacket, steel grey coloured research and breeches, blue trousers with double white develop preparation stripe, long black boots with spurs, and a plans for the creation dark coloured pillbox-style forage cap. of a territorial policing force. He was assisted by Arthur additional 150 men were added. Griesbach who later became the These early uniforms were Force’s first Corps Sergeant Major and was assigned Regimental provided from the Canadian A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
26 Militia stores. It would be several years before the NWMP received its own distinctive uniform. The uniform has changed much over the past 139 years. However, the Force has retained the scarlet tunic as its own unique identifier to both the Canadian people and the world. This new police force gathered at Fort Dufferin (Manitoba) where men were organized into divisions, uniforms were issued, and constant training was received to prepare everyone for the March West expedition and policing duties thereafter. Most of the officers and senior non-commissioned officers were from the British Army or the Canadian Militia. A British Artillery Officer, George Arthur French, was appointed the first permanent Commissioner of the NWMP. Once appointed
as Commissioner, French was persistent in his efforts to recruit the best candidates, provide the best training, and establish high standards of discipline and morale.
In accordance with the British cavalry tradition, the members were divided into divisions and horses were allocated by colour to each division:
The Force’s first horses were drawn from various areas in Eastern Canada. In these early pioneering times, the horse was a key component of Canadian life. The early Force sought horses which were 4 to 7 years old, at least 14 hands high, and, for them, it paid up to $125 per head.
• A Division rode dark bay horses; • B Division rode dark brown horses; • C Division rode chestnut coloured horses (drawing artillery and ammunition); • D Division rode gray horses (headquarters members); • E Division rode black horses; and • F Division rode light bay horses.
At Fort Dufferin, Corps Sergeant Major Arthur Griesbach took charge to establish discipline and structure within this new police force, as well as to instruct the new members in foot drill. Also at Fort Dufferin, Staff Sergeant Sam Steele coordinated the breakingin of the horses and instructed officers and men on riding.
On July 8, 1874, all members of the Force were on parade. The composition of the Force at the beginning of the March West was: 275 policemen, 338 riding horses, 114 Red River Carts, 73 wagons, 142 oxen, 21 drivers, 2 field guns, and 93 head of cattle. Trumpeter Fred Bagley (15 years old and the youngest member in the Force)
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27 recalls this parade as “an inspiring sight with every man in new scarlet tunic, white puggree-bound helmet, the loose ends hanging down each man’s back, giving a rather ‘Indian Mutiny’ effect; the horses fresh and in splendid condition, the metal parts of the accoutrements burnished and glittering in the sun, and the artillery troop ‘C’ with its 9-pounder, steel guns and bright chestnut horses conspicuous in the middle of the column. This was the one and only occasion in the entire history of the Force that it was to be seen thus on ceremonial parade in full strength, fully equipped and every officer and every man present.” After reviewing the troops, the Commissioner gave the order for the Force to advance on his March West expedition. The Force embarked westward through uncharted territory and faced many obstacles, including: battling dust, drought, starvation, sickness, lack of adequate drinking water, shortage of food, thunderstorms and mosquitoes. The long March West was a test of determination and courage, while under continual threat of attack. On the March West, several troops in the expedition carried British Army lances. The adoption of the lance was approved at this initial stage in the Force’s history. Records of the March West reference the use of these lances, as John Peter Turner, Force Historian, notes on September 2, 1874: “A corps of lancers chosen from the several troops, made up of 20 picked men under Robert Belcher and Tom Miles, were formed to assist the lagging convoy and to impress any Indians who might appear. The lances, adorned with pennons, had been provided
especially for such a purpose.” Since the March West, weapons have come and gone, however, the British lance, with its red and white pennon, has remained constant, and today is used exclusively by members of the Musical Ride. The Force’s expedition ended in September 1874 when they reached the junction of the Bow and Belly Rivers. After completing the March West, Commissioner French received instructions from the Canadian government to deploy each of the six divisions to specific areas within the North-West Territories. In turn, each of the divisions was to construct NWMP outposts from which mounted police patrols would be conducted. Each NWMP post commander would provide the Commissioner with updates on issues within their
Members of the Musical Ride still use the lance with the red and white pennon introduced on the March West in 1874. (Source of photos: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
28 geographical area. This would allow the Commissioner to issue orders for specific tasks to be undertaken. It was a requirement of the Commissioner that all members receive regular drill to maintain morale and discipline. Sergeant Major Robert Belcher and other ex-British cavalry members continued to train and educate members in mounted precision drill. Reputed for his leadership and direction, Belcher is credited with organizing the Force’s first display of mounted precision horsemanship in 1876 at Fort MacLeod. This type of precision riding would become a key component of the Force and served as a precursor to what we now know as the RCMP Musical Ride. The first officially recorded NWMP Musical Ride was performed in Regina on January 16, 1887 before the Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories. This first 20 member Musical Ride was under the direction of Inspector George Matthews and was assisted by Sergeant Major George Kempster. These early displays of horsemanship began at the Winnipeg and Regina fairs. In later years, the equestrian displays were expanded to include other prairie fairs, which were in close proximity to the railway line – the service that was used to transport men and horses to each location.
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In 1904, the “Royal” prefix was conferred on the NWMP by His Majesty King Edward VII, in recognition of its past service. In 1914, with the outbreak of the First World War, the Canadian government was expecting disruptive problems with German and Austrian immigrants on the prairies. Consequently, the government approved the recruiting, hiring and training of 300 new recruits that year. With limited space available at “Depot” Division, the Force took over a vacant Indian School in Regina where 120 new recruits were trained. The 1915 Musical Ride consisted of 60 members from the Indian School barrack. The officer commanding the 1915 Musical Ride was Superintendent George Worsley who was, at the time, the Commanding Officer of “Depot” Division. This unusually
29 large sized Musical Ride is believed to be attributed to an overflow of recruits at “Depot” and the large open space that was available to conduct these performances. The 1915 Musical Ride holds the record as being the largest ever performed by the Force. The first overseas equestrian demonstration took place on May 1, 1919, at the Vladivostok Racetrack in Siberia Russia. In late 1918, the Canadian government approved the creation of “B” Squadron RNWMP, which consisted of 6 officers and 184 members. They were sent to Siberia as part of the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force to support the White Russian government in their fight against the Bolsheviks. Major George Worsley (commander of “B” Squadron RNWMP and previous
Commanding Officer of “Depot”) suggested to Major General George Elmsley (Commander of the British and Canadian Forces in Siberia) that a gymkhana – a special equestrian sports day – be held for the Allied Troops and the citizens of Vladivostok. General Elmsley approved the gymkhana which included a display of horsemanship. In 1920, the name of the Force changed from the Royal Northwest Mounted Police to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and was designated Canada’s national police force. As such, the Force’s headquarters were moved from Regina to Ottawa. To accommodate this move east, 160 horses and members were transferred to Ottawa. A large contingent of RCMP members was required there to perform a wide range of federal policing
duties, security details, and to support the new headquarters. Permanent barracks and stables were established at Rockcliffe, just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. In the summer of 1921, the RCMP Musical Ride members performed their first public display in Ottawa and then marched 75 miles to Brockville for another performance. From 1920 to 1939, two different Musical Rides performed in various parts of Canada and in the United States. One was based at Rockcliffe and the other in Regina. Musical Rides were performed in other areas of Canada where there were available horses and recruits. One such location was Fairmont Barracks in Vancouver.
30 In 1924, a ten-man mounted squad appeared at the Wembley Exhibition in London, England. Then, in 1930, the Musical Ride went to England to perform for the first time at Olympia and in London. The first Musical Ride tour to the United States was in 1934 to New York City, with the Ride returning for a repeat performance the following year. In 1932, Constable James Ewart Rutherford described his experiences in learning to ride: “Our riding instructor Sgt. Maj. Tim Griffin (12 years in the Imperial 18th Hussars), claimed that you
was, “it made me feel extremely proud of the fact that I had been a member of the RCMP.”
In 1937, Assistant Commissioner S.T. Wood accompanied a contingent of men and riders to the coronation of King George VI. Wood was extremely impressed upon seeing the scarlet tunics of the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry riding black horses. He felt that the colour combination of the scarlet red tunic and black horse was particularly striking and a more impressive match than the RCMP’s past practice of using different coloured horses on the Musical Throughout the history of the Force, the Ride. The following year, various riding instructors endeavoured when Wood became to produce the best riders. Commissioner, he directed that all future Musical Ride horses were to be black, were not a rider until you could and this directive remains in drop your reins, cross your arms, effect today. cross your stirrups across the front arch of your saddle, put a With the advent of the Second fifty cent piece between each World War, no Musical Ride knee and the saddle skirt, then presentations were performed. take your mount over the jumps In the spring of 1948, the without losing either of the coins. Commissioner re-activated He was right in one respect, when Musical Ride tours based on you could do that, you were many requests received from a rider.” organizations throughout Canada and the United States. With this Constable Maurice Quinton re-activation, 35 matching black was a member based at the horses were selected from “Depot” Vancouver Fairmont Barrack and Division’s stable and speciallyparticipated in the 1936 Musical Ride that toured Portland, Oregon. chosen recruits commenced training under the experienced He left the Force in 1938 to return eye of Staff Sergeant Cecil to England. Once in England, he Walker. By September 1948, the joined the 1st Royal Dragoons Ride members had reached an regiment. When the Dragoons admirable degree of proficiency. discovered that he was an exRCMP Musical Ride member, he The newly re-activated Musical was asked to demonstrate his Ride left Regina on September 28, horsemanship under the careful eye of the Royal’s Sergeant Major. 1948, and headed out, delighting spectators across North America. Thereafter, the Sergeant Major told Maurice, “the standard of In 1951, a Musical Ride troop training in the Royal Canadian provided an escort for Princess Mounted Police must be a Elizabeth and her husband Prince particularly high one.” Maurice Philip when they visited Canada. Quinton’s immediate thought A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
Two years later, when Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II, a Musical Ride troop acted as the RCMP contingent in her coronation procession. Between 1951 and 1961, the popularity and demand for Musical Ride performances grew rapidly. To meet these demands, Musical Rides were provided from both “Depot” Division and from Rockcliffe in Ottawa. In an effort to manage the requests for these performances, it was decided in 1961 to establish an annual schedule that would accommodate the planning of future tours. As such, the training, staffing, and budgets for these Rides could be better organized and managed. The Rockcliffe base in Ottawa was designated as the permanent home of the RCMP Musical Ride. With efforts to reduce costs in various federal government agencies, the Canadian government decided to eliminate the equitation portion of the RCMP Recruit Training Program at “Depot” Division and Rockcliffe in 1966. However, the government wisely decided to retain the Musical Ride as a public relations initiative to promote the RCMP and highlight Canada throughout the world. Traditionally, the members of the Musical Ride had been RCMP recruits in the final stages of their basic training. With the action taken by the government in 1966, the Force shifted from recruits to volunteers chosen from within the ranks of the Force. Consequently, three equitation courses were created to train members in horse-handling and precision riding skills. In the beginning, these courses were held each year, with a total of 12 members selected for each
31 Boots and lances. (Photo source: Bob Belfoy).
course. The RCMP Regulations and Orders for 1969 specified that each applicant for the course “must be in top physical condition, free from allergies, between 5’9” and 6’0” in height and not more than 185 lbs. Those who do not fall within these standards will be considered only if they possess exceptional experience and/or ability in the equitation field.” In 1974, the RCMP accepted the first female regular members into the Force. Six years later, the first female members were selected for the Musical Ride. A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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Photograph of 1919 RNWMP Musical Ride. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit).
The Charge. (Photo source: John McQuarrie). A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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A Canadian icon: the lowering of the flag. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
On parade, eyes right. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
Today, this volunteer approach and equitation training model continues. Members applying for the equitation course must have at least 2 years of active service in the Force and, remarkably, most have no previous riding experience. Members only remain on the Ride for three years and approximately one-third of the members are rotated out each year. Today’s Musical Ride consists of 32 riders and horses as well as the Officer in Charge of the Ride. In following with the Force tradition, the Musical Ride executes a variety of intricate maneuvers and cavalry drills, all choreographed to music. Each maneuver and drill demands the utmost control and coordination.
Photograph of the 1921 Musical Ride (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division).
1878 – Photograph of NWMP patrol with lances at Ft. Walsh. The red and white pennons used by the Force in the early days are still carried by the Musical Ride today. (Photo source: RCMP Historical Collections Unit – “Depot” Division). A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
One of the more familiar Musical Ride formations is the “Dome,” once featured on the back of the Canadian fifty-dollar bill.
Photograph of the Musical Ride performing the “Dome.” (Photo source: RCMP Musical Ride).
The highlight of the Musical Ride is the “Charge,” when lances, with their red and white pennons, are lowered, and the riders launch into the gallop. The conclusion is the “March Past,” performed to the strains of the RCMP Regimental March and a salute to the guest of honour. The RCMP Musical Ride continues to provide displays of horsemanship around the world, and has just returned from performances in England, as part of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. The Musical Ride continues to be both a symbol of Canada and a representative extension of the RCMP. We are very pleased that you are able to join us as our nation’s history comes to life in full gallop. For more information on the Musical Ride, please visit: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mr-ce/index-eng.htm
Inside the “Dome”. (Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters.)
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
(Photo source: Keith Hershmiller, Look Matters).
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION Regina, Saskatchewan August 11-12, 2012 This two-day Diamond Jubilee Celebration, consisting of a special performance at the Brandt Centre on Saturday, followed on Sunday with the official opening of Elizabeth II Gardens, celebrated not only the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s reign, but also the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Legislative building, the 50th anniversary of Wascana Centre Authority and the official retirement of the provincial landau. The RCMP Heritage Centre is proud to have played a role in hosting and helping to organize this twoday celebration. A special thank you to our many sponsors including, Conexus Credit Union, the Regina Hotel Association, SGI, SaskTel, the Saskatchewan Diamond Jubilee Committee; our media partners, CTV, the Regina Leader-Post, and Rawlco Radio, as well as the many other organizations and individuals who contributed their time and talent to make this celebration a success.
We extend our sincere appreciation, hearty thank you and congratulations to all who helped bring the Diamond Jubilee Celebration to life in the Queen City of the Plains. DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION (COMMEMORATIVE PUBLICATION): Insp. Sheldon Boles (RCMP Rtd.), RCMP Historical Collections Unit staff, Joel Blechinger, Wendy Kraushaar, Nancy McLaughlan; Look Matters Inc. Management and Staff, RROC Staff, Provincial Capital Commission staff, Government House staff, Wascana Centre Authority staff, Brian Braun, Deborah Brown and Mountie House the 2nd story, Grey Buffalo Singers, Ken Mitchell, RCMP Pipes and Drums, and Sgt. Major François Desfossés. DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION (PERFORMANCE); Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre, RCMP Historical Collections Unit, Commanding Officer, Staff and Cadets, RCMP “Depot” Division; Commanding Officer and staff, RCMP “F” Division; RCMP Regina Pipes and Drums,
Look Matters Inc., staff and management at the Brandt Centre, RCMP Musical Ride, Cpl. Jason Goodfellow and PSD “Mako”, Grey Buffalo Singers, Constable Robin Cameron Education and Recreation Complex Hoop Dance Troupe, Brooklyn Braun and family, Ken Mitchell & Theatre on the Hoof, Murray Macdonald, Jean Freeman, Neil Sawatsky, Karen Worobec, Devin Wallin, management, staff and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and the RCMP Heritage Centre. OFFICIAL OPENING QUEEN ELIZABETH II GARDENS; Management, staff and volunteers at the Provincial Capitol Commission; Wascana Centre Authority, Government House, the members of RCMP Musical Ride, the Commanding Officer, Sergeant Major, Drill Instructors and Senior Cadet Troop from RCMP “Depot” Division.
Al Nicholson, CEO Mounted Police Heritage Centre A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride
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rcmpheritagecentre.com A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Featuring the RCMP Musical Ride