West Shore Mounties have a new addition to their uniform thanks to a collaboration with the Songhees Nation Language Department.

OfficersB次元官网网址� reflective back patch now reads B次元官网网址榩oliceB次元官网网址� in both English and the Lekwungen translation, qeqB次元官网网址檈l?s, pronounced phonetically as kuh-kails.

Work on developing the new patch began in October 2021 when Const. Cole Brewer, with the detachmentB次元官网网址檚 Indigenous Policing Services Unit, reached out to Joseph Seward with the Songhees Nation.

B次元官网网址淏y wearing these patches, we are recognizing the official languages of Canada and acknowledging the official language of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations within whose traditional territories we work,B次元官网网址� said Brewer in a release.

The new patch is now being rolled out to all members of the detachment.

B次元官网网址淲hile our uniforms are designed to be consistent, we feel this is an important part of informed policing which is in line with our efforts being made towards meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous communities,B次元官网网址� said Superintendent Todd Preston, officer in charge of the West Shore RCMP.

READ MORE: West Shore RCMP continue search for B次元官网网址榓rmed and dangerousB次元官网网址� suspect

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