RCMP Community Service Award

IODE Canada was honoured to present The National Chapter of Canada IODE RCMP Community Relations award to Corporal Giovanna Taddeo of Nunavik in recognition of exemplary community service outside official duties. Accompanying framed award certificates for the recipient and the detachment office, was an IODE gift of $1,000 for her to use to further community service presented by RCMP Commissioner Rob Paulson.

In 2001, Corporal Taddeo made the decision to move to Kuujjuaq, QC as an officer for the Kativik Regional Police Force (KRPF). She lived and worked in Kuujjuaq for five years building a strong, professional connection and earning respect with the Inuit community. After patrolling the streets at night and observing youth loitering with nothing productive to do and some causing trouble, she decided to take action. As a certified black belt instructor, Giovanna offered the youth the chance to learn martial arts. As a positive, inspiring and dedicated role model, she taught up to 15 youth at a time in her living room in her off duty hours.

In 2005, Giovanna left Kuujjuaq to join the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit as a First Nation Police Officer and subsequently, in 2007, she joined the ranks of the RCMP as a regular member. Giovanna left in Kuujjuaq five of her top, mature and responsible students, all having received the rank of Black Belt, to continue teaching the Karate program, which continued to 2009 running smoothly and successfully until the last student left to pursue further education.

The subsequent development of the S.M.A.R.T program (Sustainable Martial Arts Recreational Training) by Giovanna, and designed to work with young adults of the communities of Nunavik was funded and supported by the Kativik Regional Government. Training sessions, both in the north and in Montreal, teach young leaders regular basic martial arts techniques, as well as techniques of theoretical teaching. The goal is to create and support positive teaching role models for their communities.

Giovanna Taddeo is the creator, chief instructor and coordinator of the program, organizing training, working with the Inuit leaders and maintaining relations within the north. Her vision and creative work with the S.M.AR.T program, done on both off duty and vacation time, is a successful tribute to Giovanna’s leadership with the youth of the communities she serves making a difference to their lives and future. Visit: www.smartkentokukan.com

IODE Canada is proud to acknowledge Corporal Taddeo’s dedication to the youth of her communities with this annual award. For a list of past winners or for more information about IODE, please contact Sheila DeJaegher, Citizenship Officer at 416-487-4416 or visit www.iode.ca.

IODE Canada is celebrating it’s 112th year as Canada’s premier women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs.


Submitted by:
Sandra Smith
Public Relations Officer IODE Canada
Ph: 416-487-4416 1-866-827-7428
Fax: 416-487-4417 iodecanada@bellnet.ca