The Current How the Mounties spied on Indigenous activists
Mar 25, 2026
A deep dive into newly released RCMP files that reveal decades of surveillance, infiltration and wiretapping of Indigenous political groups. Short descriptions of paid informants, covert operations and how documents were obtained. Reflections on lasting trauma, mistrust and how surveillance reshaped political organizing.
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Spies Peeking Under Newspapers At Airports
- The files show paid informers infiltrated Indigenous groups and agents conducted close physical surveillance of leaders such as George Manuel.
- Reports describe Mounties peeking under a newspaper at an airport and a secret "red power" photo album of dissidents.
Cold War Rationale Masked Paternalism
- Officials framed surveillance as countering communist influence and stopping AIM infiltration during the Cold War.
- This justification relied on stereotypes that Indigenous organizing was driven by outside radicals rather than genuine political demands.
Government Approved Wiretaps Of Indigenous Office
- The documents confirm cabinet-approved wiretaps of the National Indian Brotherhood office, including during meetings with Pierre Trudeau's ministers.
- Wiretaps occurred not for violence concerns but because leaders were seen as a threat to national unity.