BEAVER LAKE - The students and staff at Beaver Lake Cree Nation's Amisk Community School and members of the band council were happy to drum up some attention recently for a local policeman assigned to the community.
On Feb. 21, Lac La Biche RCMP Cst. Joe Greer was presented with a cultural drum by students and staff at a presentation in the school's gym. Greer is the assigned Beaver Lake Creen Nation enhanced officer of the Lac La Biche RCMP detachment.
Good news
School administrators have been kept busy with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic in the recent weeks since the photo was taken, says Amisk School office manager Jeannette Pomerleau, delaying the release of the photo. But she says despite the time delay, it's turned into good timing to shed a bit of bright cheer during some challenging times.
"It's some good news to share during these times of uncertainty," she told Lac La Biche POST staff, last week.
The police officer works in the community and serves as the Amisk School resource officer.
"He has been such an awesome mentor for the children of Beaver Lake Cree Nation," said Pomerleau. "He has supported the children at many events including basketball games. He related the message to everyone that he believes in each and every one of them to be the best they can be.
Beaver Lake Creen Nation band councillors Shirley Paradis and Felix Lewis were there to assist with the presentation of the drum to him in honour of his dedication to the community and children.
Lac La Biche RCMP detachment Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbrown says the presentation highlights the continuing partnership between the community and the RCMP.
"Joe does a lot of work in the school and he is well known by the members of the Band," said Nutbrown, adding that the presentation means a lot to the local police force and the officer. "That was a special recognition, and a big honour for him to receive the drum."