London police welcome new Indigenous recruit with first-ever smudge ceremony

For the first time, new recruits joining the London Police Service will take part in an Indigenous prayer and a smudge ceremonyat their graduation given by a local First Nation chief.

Friday's ceremony will recognize seven new officers, including Chris Henry from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the only man from that community currently on the force.

The 29-year-old is one of only a handful of Indigenous police officers in London, and his graduation highlights recruitment efforts to better represent diverse communities in the city.

But more than that, Henry is wearing the badge with pride.

Henry who graduated from the police foundations training at FanshaweCollege and from Griffith Universityin Australia, said he really took to the material.

"I really understood the material they were teaching and it really just seemed like a fun career for me," Henry said.

"It's a career where I can do some good in the community as well."

Recruitment pays off

Henry admits he was not great at interviews which prevented him from getting the first job he applied for after finishing the police foundations course at Fanshawe College.

But then a London staff sergeant reached out to offer mentoring.

While the exact number of Indigenous officers on the force isn't known, as it's up to officers to self-declare, spokesperson Const. Sandasha Bough said the recruiting unit is actively seeking Indigenous and other diverse people to join the force.

"We recruit from diverse communities based on our belief that there is strength in diversity, and that a diverse workforce helps us better engage and serve the community," Bough said.

London hired a diversity officer in 2017 who works to connect with urban Indigenous groups and regularly visits First Nations communities.

Henry will be the only member from Chippewas of the Thames on the London force, and he said knowing that, will push him even harder in his job to be a role model.

"That is one of my goals, to bring more communication and interaction between London and Chippewa of the Thames population in general," said Henry.

It will start when Henry gets his badge. Chief Myeengung Henry of Chippewas of the Thames will conductthe first-ever smudge and prayer ceremony at the graduation.

Along with the chief, Henry will be joined by the nation's Eagle Staff carrier, Clifford Henry, and Elder Arnold Albert.

"Chippewas of the Thames is just really proud of him and Chris is really proud that he gets to start his career with a ceremony."