Minutes later, as a symbol of friendship between First Nations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the RCMP Regina Pipes and Drums marched into the arena and joined the performance.

The display during Saturday night's A Diamond Jubilee Celebration seemed to capture the story RCMP Heritage Centre organizers aimed to tell: a story steeped in history and tradition, but one that also celebrates Canada's future.

"It's a coming together," said Al Nicholson, CEO of the RCMP Heritage Centre, explaining the meaning behind the three groups performing together, "and a unique one-of-a-kind thing."

As part of the province's Diamond Jubilee celebrations held over the weekend, tribute was paid Saturday evening to the Queen's 60-year reign with A Diamond Jubilee Celebration featuring the RCMP Musical Ride at the Brandt Centre.

The Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex (CRCEC) Hoop Dance Troupe, whose members performed with the Grey Buffalo Singers and RCMP Pipes and Drums, honoured fallen RCMP members. The troupe was named after Cameron, who, along with her patrol partner Const. Marc Bourdages, died in July 2006 as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in Spiritwood.

Cameron was born on the Beardy's Okemasis First Nation near the now-named CRCEC in Duck Lake and, according to the Const. Robin Cameron Memorial Scholarship Fund website, Cameron "committed herself to promoting and fostering self-esteem in young adults."

"We're quite humbled and honoured to be recognized and invited to come perform," said Andrew DeBray , the troupe's director and a teacher at the CRCEC, who described Cameron as a "very pleasant young lady" who promoted community and aboriginal culture.

About an hour before Saturday's event, performer Dwayne Moostoos, 13, was among the hoop dancers preparing for one of the group's largest performances, about to dance in front of more than 2,500 people. Asked if he was nervous, Dwayne was quick to reply that he felt excitement instead.

"I especially enjoy dancing for a crowd," he said.

The crowd ended up rewarding the troupe with a standing ovation.

Brooklyn Braun felt a mixture of nerves and excitement before the show began. The 14-year-old equestrian champion from Beechy was to give a live reigning demonstration immediately preceeding the premier event, the 32-horse historic RCMP Musical Ride.

"... It is an honour to get to ride with (the Musical Ride) and probably a oncein-a-lifetime experience," Brooklyn said, noting her family, friends, even her teacher had made the trip to cheer her on.

The 30-minute RCMP Musical Ride that closed Saturday's show marked 125 years since the first public Musical Ride was held in Regina in 1887. The two-hour celebration at the Brandt Centre was about upholding tradition, while also looking to future generations.

"To be able to put on a show ... and involve the Musical Ride and young people from throughout the province, and pull together a story that is both current and historic in its nature and share it with people in a fun way," Nicholson said, "means we're doing our job, we're having fun doing it, and people are enjoying it."

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