Summer Programs Provide Window into Potential Military Career for Aboriginal Peoples
News Release
June 21, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Aboriginal Summer Programs, Bold Eagle, Black Bear, and Raven, will begin in early July 2016, continuing a tradition of providing military training, leadership skills, and cultural awareness for approximately 150 participants from across Canada.
The six-week programs offer Aboriginal youth a chance to experience military training, including leadership and survival skills, weapons handling, navigation, and first aid as they work toward a Reserve Basic Military Qualification. During the programs, participants are enrolled as either Ordinary Seamen in the Naval Reserve or Privates in the Army Reserve. Graduates may choose to seek employment in the CAF once complete, although there is no obligation.
The Canadian Army operates the Bold Eagle program and bilingual Black Bear program in Wainwright, Alberta, and Oromocto, New Brunswick, respectively, while the Royal Canadian Navy holds the Raven program in Esquimalt, B.C. All courses begin with a four-day Culture Camp, conducted by Aboriginal Elders, to help ease the transition into military life.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) celebrate the contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to Canada and its military. The Aboriginal Summer Programs are just some of the ways we continue to develop relationships with Aboriginal communities and leaders to increase awareness of the career opportunities that Canada’s military has to offer. While serving in uniform, I saw first-hand the value of programs like Bold Eagle in fostering the warrior spirit within the community, and am pleased that the Canadian Armed Forces continues to offer young leaders the chance to excel.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
“The Bold Eagle, Black Bear and Raven programs offer Aboriginal Peoples an exciting way to experience what life is like in the Canadian Armed Forces. These summer programs help to develop self-confidence and leadership skills that will serve them in their personal journey and, if they wish to join, a rewarding military career."
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Aboriginal Peoples
Quick Facts
- Participants have direct access to guidance, support, and cultural teachings from dedicated program staff, including Aboriginal Elders and civilian counsellors throughout the duration of the programs.
- All participants are paid a salary, receive a Reserve Basic Military Qualification upon completion of their program, and can choose to pursue employment with the CAF.
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada are employed in challenging and rewarding jobs throughout the CAF.
- Participants in the Aboriginal Summer Programs are drawn from throughout Canada. Bold Eagle has approximately 90 participants, while Raven and the bilingual Black Bear program each have approximately 30 participants.
- Based on self-identification figures from June 2015, there are approximately 2294 Aboriginal members currently serving in the CAF Regular Force and Primary Reserve Force combined — a representation of 2.5 percent. The Canadian Army has the highest percentage of Aboriginal people at 2.7, the Royal Canadian Navy has a representation of 2.3 percent, and the Royal Canadian Air Force is at 2.2 percent.
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Associated Links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Photo
Candidates of Bold Eagle 2015 0142 hand off the Eagle Staff to their sister platoon 0143 at the Officer Commanding’s inspection on August 3, 2015 at Garrison Wainwright.
Bold Eagle is a challenging summer experience that delivers hands-on skills development, encourages teamwork, provides physical fitness and promotes cultural awareness for Aboriginal Canadians. It is a unique summer employment program that combines Aboriginal culture and teachings with military training.
Photo by: Corporal Jay Ekin
Wainwright Imagery Section
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Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military