The RCMP have announced seven new Aboriginal Pre-Cadet graduates from the RCMP Academy.

Seven Manitoba youth graduated from the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division in Regina, as part of the RCMP’s Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program (APTP).

Among the graduates was Brittany McLeod of Cross Lake, who will be stationed in Cross Lake for her 14-week assignment, where she will work alongside police officers at her detachment.

The APTP offers aboriginal Canadians between the ages of 19 and 29 the opportunity to get an inside look at daily police work; it is part of the RCMP’s ongoing commitment to a workplace representative of the communities they serve.

“I am incredibly proud of the young men and women who have successfully completed the Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program this year,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, commanding officer for Manitoba’s “D” Division. “Community policing is at the heart if what we do and I encourage these cadets to seize this opportunity and really shine in their communities.”

The six other graduates include: Valene Bercier of Moose Lake, Sierra Bubb, Landon Chueng and Tyler West all from Winnipeg, Kayla Campbell from The Pas, and Satina Koscielny of Brandon.

Since 1996, 411 candidates have graduated from the program and more than 50 per cent went on to apply to the RCMP. Over 40 candidates have gone on to become police officers with the RCMP and 19 others are employed in other capacities.