Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the honour to attend a truly unique gathering in White Rock, British Columbia. Two totem poles were raised on White Rock beach, one representative of the Haida and the other the Straits Salish people.
What makes these totems truly unique is that they were carved to honour the 125th anniversary of the RCMP. Both poles portray the RCMP in the role of the guardian or the watchman who ensures the safety of the citizens of the village. Commissioned by the White Rock RCMP and sponsored by numerous citizens from White Rock and South Surrey, these totems represent a coming together of the RCMP and the first nations peoples.
I would specifically like to acknowledge the efforts of Constable Mike Lane and Staff Sergeant Jim Fisher of the White Rock RCMP, Haida carver Robert Davidson, Salish designer Susan Point and the city of White Rock for providing us with “The Gift”.