Aboriginal youth given taste of military life

This is not your typical summer vacation.

Aboriginal youth considering a career in the military, or who just want to see if they've got what it takes, are invited to apply for the Bold Eagle program.

Bold Eagle is a long-running six-week paid summer program for status, non-status, Inuit and Metis youth from western Canada and northwestern Ontario that combines military training along with Aboriginal customs and culture.

The course was designed 23 years ago to instill four key attributes in the youth - teamwork, physical fitness, self-confidence and self-discipline - so they can build their resumes, gain skills and bring those skills back to their communities, explained Bold Eagle co-ordinator Maj. Nolan Kemp.

The first week of the program is spent in a culture camp that's designed to get the young people accustomed to their new surroundings and the structure. The camp includes morning pipe ceremonies as well as sharing circles, teepee building, birthday round dances, skit nights and Metis teachings.

"The culture seems to fit really well with what we're doing in the military. We have our own culture as First Nations, Inuit, Metis have their cultures," said Kemp. "One of the things we try to instill is that you don't have to forget who you are or where you come from, but you do have to fit within our culture at the Canadian Forces, which is very heavily based on working hard, lots of perseverance and, where feasible, being a leader as well."

Kemp will be wrapping up a promotional tour with an information session for parents and youth at the Aboriginal Business and Community Development Centre tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"It gives our youth a lot to work towards, even if they don't make it in to the Bold Eagle program," said Laura Blumhagen, special projects officer at the centre.

The application deadline for the program is April 30, with successful recruits between the ages of 16 and 29 signing on to the Canadian Forces between July 9 and Aug. 17 at the Land Force Western Area Training Centre in Wainwright, Alta.

But while there is a large culture component, make no mistake that this is basic training, Kemp explained to The Citizen.

"They are actually joining the Canadian Forces - the Army reserve - for the six weeks in the summer. The training is very demanding. They're up at 5:30 in the morning, lights out at 11 at night for six or seven days a week," he said. While in the Bold Eagle program, participants earn a full salary, can earn high school credits and expenses are paid for by the Army and the programs three partners - the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta.

When finished with the program, there is no requirement to stay with the Canadian Forces.

"Some do, but others are there for the experiences," Kemp said, adding the goal is for graduates to leave with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

For more information and application requirements, visit the Bold Eagle program's website at www.army.gc.ca/boldeagle.