Shirley Cuillierrier

Shirley Cuillierrier has been striving to create a safer, more inclusive nation for over 40 years. Beginning her career in the RCMP as a Constable and ultimately retiring in the role of Assistant Commissioner, she has consistently advocated for increased Indigenous representation and for a greater awareness of how policing impacts Indigenous communities. Shirley is known as a leader that recognized the need for transformational changes to address systematic inequalities that Indigenous people face when involved with the criminal justice system. She excelled at improving and fostering positive relationships with Indigenous organizations and domestic/international policing partners. She created the RCMP Circle of Change to effect policy/training amendments on issues related to violence against Indigenous women/girls and has testified before the House of Commons and the Senate on matters related to human trafficking and human rights. She was appointed the RCMP’s Senior Advisor on Reconciliation to advance and promote the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

To honour her leadership and exceptional service, Shirley was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General and was the first Canadian police officer to receive the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case for advancing gender equality in policing. Her commitment to Indigenous representation and public safety continues to be her life calling.