Three Days of Festivities in Kuujjuaq
February 19, 2024 – Defence Stories
By Yves Bélanger, Journalist SERVIR
Caption
Group photo of members of the Junior Canadian Rangers with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, in her red cap.
There is a good reason why event organizers chose the town of Kuujjuaq, in Northern Quebec, to host the event. "Kuujjuaq is one of the first municipalities where the Ranger Patrol Group implemented the JCR program," explains Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Hilaréguy, Commander of the 2 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG).
In all, nearly a hundred Junior Canadian Rangers from the five CRPGs across Canada gathered to take part in the three days of festivities. LCol Hilaréguy is very proud of this success: "We had a great time over the three days. A lot of people bonded with each other.
The 2 CRPG also took the opportunity to hold a winter national training session for Junior Rangers. "It's very rare that we have the opportunity to bring together JCRs from across the country. We thought it would be an opportune time to organize such an exercise," the commander said.
Caption
Master Corporal Lindy Georgekish with his Eagle Staff during the closing ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Junior Ranger (CJR) in Kuujjuaq on January 13, 2024.
During the event, the JCRs had the opportunity to take part in activities related to the three learning circles at the heart of the training program: life skills, Ranger skills and traditional skills. "In addition to transporting injured people, competing in a tug-of-war and ice fishing, the participants competed in slingshot shooting. They also had to demonstrate their ability to set up makeshift shelters," explains Lieutenant-Commander Mathieu Vigneault, the event's main organizer.
The closing ceremony was held in Kuujjuaq's municipal hall, in the presence of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, Kuujjuaq Mayor Mary Johannes, Lieutenant-Colonel Hilaréguy and Dr. Geneviève Auclair, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 2 CRPG, 2 CRPG Sergeant-Major Chief Warrant Officer Sébastien Fortier, Brigadier-General Dave Abboud, Commander of 2 Canadian Division and Joint Task Force East, and other representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Caption
The Junior Canadian Rangers of the 3rd and 5th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group take part in a tug-of-war activity in Valcartier on January 10, 2024.
Camp Opkiapik, held in July 2023 at Base Valcartier, officially launched the 25th anniversary festivities of the JCR program. "Throughout the year, communities where Canadian Rangers are present have taken the time to mark this important anniversary locally," adds LCol Hilaréguy.
The Commander of 2 CRPG reminds us that the Junior Canadian Rangers program is stimulating and rewarding for young people in Canada's remote communities. It enables young people to develop practical and cultural skills in a fun and friendly environment. "This program was created to help address some of the social issues facing young people living in remote areas. Over the years, it has made a significant contribution to bringing thousands of young people together. We look forward to working in close collaboration with all the communities where the JCR program is present," he said.