Sask. First Nations leaders back recently removed RCMP commanding officer

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is demanding answers after the sudden removal of Rhonda Blackmore as commanding officer of Saskatchewan's RCMP F Division.

Blackmore, a 30-year RCMP veteran who took the assistant commissioner job in April 2021, was relieved of her duties on June 3. In an emailed statement that day, Blackmore said the decision was "a result of anonymous complaints." She has not commented publicly on her removal since.

"We firmly stand with Assistant Commissioner Blackmore," Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council said in a joint statement from the FSIN. "Her time as F Division CO has been defined by unwavering integrity, accountability, and a dedication to First Nation communities."

Executive members and several tribal councils from the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, praised Blackmore's commitment to community policing and highlighted her leadership during key crises, including the 2022 mass killings on James Smith Cree Nation. They also pointed to her efforts to improve Indigenous recruitment, foster trust through working agreements with communities and push for systemic reform within the RCMP.

"Rhonda showed strong leadership during a time of crisis for James Smith," Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said in the FSIN statement. "She, along with her team, worked hard to develop trust through her compassion and understanding."

The FSIN said a lack of public explanation and absence of consultation for Blackmore's removal has rattled confidence in the RCMP's internal processes.

The FSIN made three demands:

• The immediate reinstatement of Blackmore pending a transparent external investigation.
• The establishment of independent oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly regarding anonymous complaints.
• A formal commitment to protect RCMP officers who advocate for reform and community safety.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron also urged the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner to investigate what he describes as the potential misuse of the RCMP's whistleblower policy.

"We want to ensure justice is done — for Rhonda Blackmore, for the integrity of the RCMP, and for First Nations people across Saskatchewan," Cameron said.

RCMP responded with a statement.

"The RCMP values its relationship with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations leadership, and is fully committed to community policing and accountability," the statement said.

It added that the appointment of an interim commanding officer "will have no impact on front-line policing operations nor the safety and security of Indigenous communities during this interim period."

The RCMP said it is confident that F Division officers will continue to serve Indigenous communities with dedication and professionalism.