The chief executive officer of the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Sam Karikas, was recognized as a finalist for the Corporate Innovation award during the 45th annual YWCA Regina Women of Distinction Awards on March 28, 2026. The nomination highlights her leadership in driving the local institution toward national museum status, a move that would permanently secure federal support for the centre.
Since stepping into the chief executive role in April 2023, Karikas has overseen the ongoing effort to transform the facility into a federally designated national museum. This transition involves amending the federal Museums Act, which would convert the non-profit organization into a government-owned corporation. Under this new structure, Ottawa would cover the centre’s operating costs, ensuring long-term financial stability for the site.
The federal government has pledged significant financial support for this initiative, with total commitments now exceeding $19 million. This includes $12 million announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement to assist with the museum’s expansion. The project aims to build upon the momentum of the organization, which already welcomes approximately 30,000 visitors from over 30 countries annually and provides educational programming for about 20,000 students across the country.
This potential upgrade is viewed as a major boost for the local economy. In 2025, Regina saw a 20 per cent increase in tourism activity, contributing to an overall economic impact of more than $135 million for the city. Local leaders anticipate that official national museum status would further increase visitor numbers, bringing more investment and new programming to the region.
The Heritage Centre, which sits on the grounds of the RCMP Academy, has been working toward national museum status since approximately 2019, with the 150th anniversary of the RCMP in 2023 serving as a key milestone in this effort. The centre operates independently from the RCMP, with its own board and leadership focused on showcasing the history of the institution.
