Ceremonial meeting a step towards healing, Poundmaker's Lodge says

Representatives from Poundmaker's Lodge say a ceremonial meeting on Wednesdaywith RCMP and TD Canada Trust has led to a commitment from all sides to work together to build stronger relationships.

The meeting came after Poundmaker's Lodgeanaddictions treatment centre in St. Albertthat uses First Nationstraditions, cultureand spiritual beliefs in itscounsellingprogramsalleged that some of their clients were racially profiled by staff at a St. Albert TD branch on Feb.5.

Staff at the bank called police aftera customer reportedtwo people outside the bank talking about the bank's security alarm.Three RCMP cars arrived, but departed after minutes, after establishing there was no threat.

The two people outside the bank turned out to be clients of Poundmaker's Lodge.

Representatives from TD denied accusations of racial profiling, andapologized for any "misunderstanding."

TD staff and members of theRCMP approached Poundmaker's Lodge this week with an offering of tobacco for clients and discussed how to move forward, the treatment centre announced in a statementFriday.

"We feel that by utilizing our cultural approach, we believe we achieved a positive result which will further enhance healthy relationships with mainstream institutions,"Poundmaker's Lodge executive directorBrad Cardinal said in the statement.

"This experience has also allowed for discourse amongst our community and for our community to be cognizant of interactions and know that there are positive avenues in which we can move forward in reconciliation."

Lisa Colangelo, vice-president of TD in Edmonton, said in a statement the ceremony involved "... a lot of listening, respect, understanding and commitment by all participants to move forward," and that the company will learn from the experience.

RCMP Inspector Honey Dwyer echoed Colangelo's statements, calling the meeting an "honour and privilege."

"I was touched by the emotions expressed by all, and look forward to formalizing an action plan that continues to build upon this first step," Dwyer said.