Introduction
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) celebrate the contributions that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Canadians have made to the military, and continue to refine ongoing work with communities and leaders to increase awareness of what the CAF has to offer.
A Proud History of Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Armed Forces
Each time there has been a need, Canada’s Aboriginal soldiers have overcome cultural challenges and in making sacrifices have made impressive contributions to restore world peace. Aboriginal peoples were valuable allies during the War of 1812 and in South Africa during the Boer War. Thousands of Aboriginal men and women served during World War I and II, the Korean War and Gulf War.
In the past decade, CAF Aboriginal men and women risked their lives defending Canadian values of peace, freedom and democracy overseas in such missions as Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan.
For more information on the history of Aboriginal Peoples contribution in the CAF, please visit: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/history/aboriginal
For information on an Aboriginal serving member who is a recipient of the Aboriginal Millennium Medal: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/press/viewrelease/1166
National Aboriginal Veterans Monument
In recognition of their historical sacrifices and contributions, a national monument to Aboriginal veterans was unveiled in Ottawa on June 21, 2001 on the occasion of National Aboriginal Day by Adrienne Clarkson, then Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, at the unveiling stated, “It is about the history of Aboriginal veterans and the places where they served in Canada's uniform with honour and distinction, at home and abroad, in time of war and in keeping the peace. It is about a much unknown, almost ignored, but glorious history. As Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, I want to express on behalf of all Canadians our pride in this history.”
For more information about the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, please visit: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/feature/abmem
Aboriginal Serving Members Today and Statistics
First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada are employed in challenging and rewarding jobs throughout the CAF. As of April 2013, the percentage of Aboriginal people in the CAF combined Regular and Primary Reserve is at 2.11 per cent. The Canadian Army comprises the highest percentage of Aboriginal people at 2.17 per cent, the Royal Canadian Navy has a representation of 1.99 per cent and the Royal Canadian Air Force 1.83 per cent. Aboriginal people today are joining the CAF with the widest range of options for occupations and career advancement.
Based on self-identification figures as recent as April 2013, there are approximately 2065 Aboriginal members currently serving in the CAF Regular Force and Reserve Force combined.
Aboriginal Leadership Training
Many Aboriginal people have taken advantage of the education and training opportunities that the CAF offer, like subsidized college and university programs. As a result, they have become exceptional leaders in every field of the CAF, from engineers and physiotherapists, to technicians and systems specialists.
A career in the CAF is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a difference in Canada and in other parts of the world. It is a chance to be a part of a history of service and a community of people dedicated to preserving peace and security.
The CAF work with Aboriginal communities, leaders and veterans to raise awareness of all a military career has to offer. Through “CAF Experience” programs, Aboriginal Peoples across Canada work and train with the CAF for a specific period of time, and experience the lifestyle, without the commitment to joining the CAF.
The CAF offers three experience programs for Aboriginal Peoples:
- Aboriginal Summer Programs
The CAF offer three six-week training and leadership programs that combine military training with Aboriginal cultural awareness: Bold Eagle (Alberta), Raven (British Columbia) and Black Bear (Ontario, bilingual program). All candidates are paid a salary and successful candidates receive a reserve basic military qualification. The summer training programs provide the experience of military and leadership training with the option, but no commitment, to pursue employment with the CAF.
- Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program
The Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program is a three-week program that gives Aboriginal candidates the opportunity to explore a career in the military, get prepared for training expectations and learn about military culture. Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program training courses are held at Land Forces Atlantic Area Training Centre, Aldershot, N.S. and the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Academic Leadership Opportunity Year
This is a one-year program with the Regular Force offered at the Royal Military College of Canada. This program is open to Aboriginal people that are high school graduates (or equivalent) and that meet the selection criteria for post-secondary education. As officer cadets, Aboriginal students experience a combination of university level study and military and leadership training. Additionally, cadets will participate in Aboriginal cultural development activities.
For more information on Canadian Armed Forces Aboriginal programs, please visit: http://www.forces.ca/en/page/aboriginal-93#programs-1
Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group
The mission of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group is to advise Commanders on significant issues and trends affecting the role and quality of life of Aboriginal people serving in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF. The members of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group support the chain of command in their mandate to foster awareness of Aboriginal issues, recruiting and retention issues and also provide a forum for Aboriginal Peoples to gather and support one another as they exercise their unique cultural, spiritual and traditional identities within DND and the CAF. All members of DND/CAF, regardless of ethnic origin, are welcome to be members of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group.
The Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group provides essential advice to DND and CAF leaders to identify current systemic problems and to determine the impact of future policies and initiatives on Aboriginal peoples.
Aboriginal Awareness Week
Aboriginal Awareness Week was first introduced in 1992 in order to increase awareness of Aboriginal Peoples within the Canadian population. It has evolved into a week to honour the many Aboriginal cultures in Canada, including the Métis, the Inuit and First Nations. This Awareness Week was then adopted by DND and the CAF leadership as one of the four Employment Equity commemorative events to be held during the year. A different theme is celebrated each year.
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