Chilliwack-area RCMP officers connect with local youth at 1st annual Fishing With a Cop event

ABBOTSFORD/SEABIRD ISLAND – RCMP members from the Upper Fraser Valley detachment’s Indigenous Policing Services found a neat way to build rapport with local Seabird Island youth through the first-ever “Fishing With a Cop” event earlier this week in Abbotsford.

According to a statement from Constable Bradley Holditch with Indigenous Policing Services, the event saw more than 24 students in Grades 5 and 6 from Seabird Island Community School, located northeast of Agassiz, take part in what police say was a unique day of hands-on learning, relationship building and informal engagement with local police.

“As a police officer, it’s the best kind of day when we can connect with youth in this kind of environment that’s truly centred around having fun,” said Cst. Bradley Holditch with UFVRD IPS. “Shared activities like this help build trust, familiarity, open communication, and are an important part of how we connect with our community.”

Students participated in a guided fishing experience alongside UFVRD IPS, Silverbrook Fish Farm staff, and school staff. The day included a tour of the fish farm, lessons on environmental stewardship, and receiving instruction on safe and responsible fishing practices before students had the opportunity to catch their own fish.

RCMP Constable Bradley Holditch speaks with local students.

Cst. Holditch has worked closely with Seabird Island Community School for the past two years, supporting school programs, cultural events, and youth initiatives, including D.A.R.E.

During recent conversations, students identified fishing as an activity they were interested in doing with police officers.

A local student proudly shows off the fish she caught earlier this week in Abbotsford. (Image Credit: Upper Fraser Valley RCMP/Indigenous Policing Services.)

“We have ongoing activities like paddling, soccer, and dodgeball that we do with kids but it was great to see the students show interest in fishing. It’s important part of their culture and it’s also something I am personally passionate about and often talk about with students, so it felt like a great fit when the idea came up,” Cst. Holditch said. 

Transportation was provided by the school, and school staff members were on hand to support supervision and student safety throughout the day. UFVRD IPS members supported instruction and engagement during the event.

The initiative aligns with UFVRD Indigenous Policing Services’ commitment to relationship building, youth engagement, and community-based policing. Events like Fishing with a Cop help reinforce positive connections between police and youth through shared experiences.

An RCMP officer from Indigenous Policing Services joined students in catching fish. (Image Credit: Upper Fraser Valley RCMP/Indigenous Policing Services.)

UFVRD Indigenous Policing Services expressed gratitude and appreciation to both Seabird Island Community School and Silverbrook Fish Farm for their support.

“Making this happen was a true team effort and we’re grateful that this was such a positive experience for everyone,” Cst. Holditch said.  “It was great to see the kids try something new, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the day together.”