First-ever Inuk promoted to Staff Sergeant Major in Nunavut RCMP

Some good news came out the Nunavut legislative assembly where the territory’s justice minister paid tribute to the promotion of the RCMP’s Pauline Melanson to the rank of staff sergeant major.

Justice Minister David Akeeagok shared that news with his fellow MLAs during Thursday’s sitting.

“With this appointment, Staff Sgt. Maj. Melanson becomes the first Inuk staff sergeant major in the RCMP’s history. She now joins the senior leadership ranks at Nunavut’s V Division and will be a key leader in ensuring the RCMP is responsive to community needs and addresses the shared priorities of the Department of Justice and RCMP V Division” Akeeagok said.

This position is responsible for ensuring that the mission, vision and values of the RCMP are respected while serving as a strong link between RCMP management and the communities. The staff sergeant major works to ensure frontline officers conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity and honour in delivering policing services in our communities.

Nunatsiaq News readers might recognize Melanson’s name. She is often quoted by news media as the spokesperson for the RCMP’s Nunavut division.

“Staff Sgt.-Maj. Melanson was born and raised in Nunavut and has deep roots across the territory. RCMP leadership depend on her wealth of knowledge on Nunavut and Inuit traditions and culture. She has spent most of her 22-year RCMP career in V Division, carrying out various operational and administrative duties as a general duty member in Iqaluit and Igloolik, as well as in major crimes, recruiting, and community policing” Akeeagok said.

Akeeagok concluded, calling her “a strong advocate for reconciliation between Inuit and the RCMP and for building relationships between Nunavut communities and the police.

“We look forward to working with you and seeing what you will achieve in your new role.”