My Story: Earning the Eagle Feather

May 26, 2022 - Defence Stories

By Corporal C. Calma, RHFC

As the ceremony began at the Cambridge Armoury on December 12, 2021, I had a moment to reflect. I had met so many interesting people, shared good times, and hard – like during the cold nights, hot days and never-ending rain and lack of sleep that Meaford is famous for. I did it with new friends. We did it together. I saw the team come together to accomplish the mission.

It was all in front of me back in 2018 when I joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Black Bear program after being a Cadet, but I had no idea how the experience of becoming a soldier would affect every aspect of my life. I also didn’t foresee how my accomplishments would be so important to my family, and to my community.

I had heard stories about Indigenous soldiers; some from my own community, who had served in the military, some in war. Some didn’t come home. I wanted to serve overseas so I could follow them and their example. As the Eagle Feather was presented to me by Elder Mr. Henry in a sacred ceremony, recognizing me for becoming a soldier and my accomplishments (with my parents and family there) I knew I now had an opportunity to do it.

My name is Corporal Cruz Antonio Calma, and I’m a member of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada in Kitchener, Ontario, an Army Reserve unit of 31 Canadian Brigade Group and the 4^th Canadian Division. I’m a member of the M’chegeen First Nation, and Ojibway. I’m also a soldier, and a proud Canadian.

I’ve been in the Army for just shy of four years now, taking the oath on July 3, 2018. My journey with the CAF started when I was a Cadet in 1596 Royal Canadian Army Cadets, in Kitchener, Ontario. Being a Cadet inspired me to become a soldier and seek the action and adventure I dreamed of. But it also taught me how important community service and teamwork really are.

When I turned 16 I decided I wanted to take the next step, and enroll into actual military service. I applied through the CAF recruitment center, and explored lots of different programs. I found out that there were programs for Indigenous people, and Black Bear was the one that caught my eye the most, because I had the opportunity to travel somewhere I'd never been; and also because of my culture. Black Bear is a “unique summer training program that combines Indigenous culture and teachings with military training that helps you develop valuable skills,” according to the website. It is so much more than that.

In the summer of 2018 my journey began, and CFB Gagetown was where I would learn how to be a soldier first. There I began Basic Military Qualification (BMQ). It was hard. It taught me many lessons. But it also drove me to become better. To try my best, and never give up. I thought about those soldiers who had come before me, and didn’t make it home. That pushed me when I was tired and cold. That made me try harder.

After I graduated BMQ, and I came home, I was welcomed into the RHFC, attending parade nights, classes, and weekend exercises. In the summer of 2019 I had just graduated high school and didn't even have to look for a job, because the Army had one for me. That summer I did Full Time Summer Employment, or “FTSE.” I worked all summer in a few jobs, also completing Development Phase 1-Infantry Module 1 (DP1 Mod 1). That’s the course that you have to complete to become a fully-qualified infantry soldier.

The following year I had returned to training until the COVID-19 pandemic arose. The pandemic was hard on everybody, even for myself. It delayed training, and left gaps in activity that I missed. I missed the Army. I missed my friends at the unit. And I missed the routine. That summer of 2020, luckily I went on to my DP1-Infantry Module 2, which is the part where we train out in the field. Unfortunately, I sustained a back injury. It really impacted me physically, and other parts my life. But I got back up, like I had been taught, and mentally and physically prepared myself again for this challenge, and in 2021 I finally graduated DP1 as an Infanteer.

There were a lot of challenges for me, to get to where I am now with this career, and there has been a lot of needed support that I received from my family and friends. My parents supported me in my decision to join, and encouraged me through the training. After all, they saw it as a noble and valuable experience that would benefit me, long term. They were definitely proud to have their son serve Canada, like those who had before me.

Out of my entire time in the CAF I have met a lot of amazing people that have changed my life forever; ranging from Elders, Instructors, fellow course mates and friends. I joined the CAF because I wanted to make a difference in today's world, whether that's helping Canadians in need here at home or during a time of conflict. I think often of the Indigenous soldiers before me who were so brave, and how they made their Tribes proud. I wanted to be like them.

My training is not complete. I have several goals, like doing the Infantry Basic Machine Gun course, military truck driver training called “Driver Wheel,” and to potentially pursue my hobby as a military photographer. Dedication to training and service drive me to achieve my goals in this profession of being a soldier, and the support I receive from my family, friends and community make the challenges easier. Also just knowing that I can help people makes me keep going when I need motivation, and putting smiles on peoples’ faces when they’re in need or in desperate times will be awesome.

As I write this today, a few weeks have passed since the biggest accomplishment so far in my military career was recognized in a special ceremony where I was promoted to Corporal and a sacred Eagle Feather was presented to me. I now hold that not just in my hand but also in my heart as a responsibility to serve. And I could not thank anyone enough who has helped me get to where I am now, even those that are no longer a part of my life.