RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore (centre) with Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Brian Hardlotte. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

acknowledgement

RCMP’s Rhonda Blackmore honoured by First Nations at La Ronge gathering

Jul 8, 2025 | 3:04 PM

Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, who was removed from her position as the RCMP’s commanding officer of F Division, was honoured Tuesday in La Ronge as First Nations chiefs call for her reinstatement.

Blackmore, who has since been hired as the assistant commissioner of Indigenous and support services for the RCMP, was relieved of her duties as commanding officer last month as a result of anonymous complaints against her.

Following her removal, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nation (FSIN) called for her immediate reinstatement pending a transparent external investigation. The FSIN also requested the establishment of independent oversight for RCMP disciplinary actions, particularly regarding anonymous complaints, along with a formal commitment to protect RCMP officers who advocate for reform and community safety.

On Tuesday in La Ronge, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron told an audience Blackmore has been “amazing and incredible” in the position and they have been fighting to get her back.

“We really miss Rhonda and Rhonda we wanted to thank you for your commitment, your heart, your courage, your determination, your love for what you do for us, with us and beside us,” he said.

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“We pray to God that one day she comes back to us, to help us, because this ain’t over by a long shot, stopping and addressing the alcohol, the drugs and the violence. That’s why we need this lady back.”

Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore is surrounded by dignitaries while an honour song is performed for her. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Blackmore was then presented with a star blanket by Prince Albert Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, and an honour song was performed for her.

“I’m very honoured to receive this blanket. It means so much to me,” she remarked.

“It’s very unfortunate circumstances that I’m no longer the commanding officer, but I must say, I miss working with Chief Cook-Searson, Chief Hardlotte, Chief Cameron. They all are doing such great work in the communities, and I do miss that. I would be completely remiss if I didn’t share this honour with people like Staff Sgt. Derek Eberle and Cpl. Kim Gobiel, who are here today from the RCMP doing all of the amazing work that they do to keep communities like La Ronge safe and secure, and encouraging individuals from our First Nations to join the RCMP to be part of our enforcement community, so we can be representative of the communities that we police and make sure that the systemic biases are eliminated, so that everybody is treated fairly and equally.

Ceremony kicks off three-day Family Wellness Conference

It will be a busy week at the downtown urban reserve in La Ronge as several agencies come together to host a family wellness conference. There will be at least 16 speakers over three days with daily breakfast, lunch and supper served. All members of the tri-communities are invited to attend.

There will also be a range of traditional activities and demonstrations for all to enjoy. Cook-Searson explained the event is about families coming together to face the issues affecting residents of Northern Saskatchewan.

Attendees came together to pray for healing during the opening ceremonies. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“There’s a better way from drugs and alcohol, there’s a better way from addictions once you can get passed that stronghold,” she said.

“That’s how drug dealers get you too is if you have that addiction, they have you, but if you break through your addiction, you can do anything and we are here to support you. We are here to help you through that process.”

The event began with speeches from several dignitaries, which also included Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger, Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail, La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Regional Director Laura Burnouf.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com