Private Desjarlais receives the Most Improved Award from LGen Andrew Leslie, as Aboriginal Chief Lawrence Joseph looks on.
Exercise Bold Eagle mixes First Nations, military
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Project Number:08-0560
Wainwright, Alberta – Exercise Bold Eagle, a six-week program that combines First Nation traditions with the Army Reserve Basic Military Qualification, opens the door to the military for young First Nation people.
In August, 57 newly-qualified young men and women received congratulations from Lieutenant-General (LGen) Andrew Leslie, Chief of Land Staff and Chief Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations at the Bold Eagle 2008 graduation ceremony.
Before the start of military training, recruits participate in a four-day culture camp which eases their transition into the military. The camp allows the elders of their community to explain the ways of the warrior and the traditions of First Nations people.
"The intent behind this program is to build social skills, life skills and to introduce you to your Army," says LGen Leslie. "As the Army Commander, I am hopeful that a significant number of you chose to join, either part time or full time, your Army."
"You are great young Canadians, all of you. The whole idea of this is service before self. If it is not the Army or the RCMP, then maybe local or national police, lawyers, doctors, teachers or social workers."
Graduates plan their futures
Private Ariel John from Sherwood Park, Alberta, received this year´s Top Soldier award.
"I wanted to join the Bold Eagle program because I like the idea of the discipline and teamwork that is involved in the military," says Private John. "I would like to eventually become a medical officer and deploy overseas."
Private Clay Yellow Horn from Brocket, Alberta wanted to finish the course before starting university. Although he would like to be part of the regular officer training program and become an infantry officer, Pte Yellow Horn has bigger objectives in mind.
"Before I came here I was pretty un-disciplined. I could barely keep to a workout program. Now I think I can keep to anything, focus on my studies and prepare to eventually go into the regular force. Hopefully I can work hard enough to become the Chief of the Defence Staff one day."
Graduate from similar program now an instructor
An instructor at Bold Eagle, Master Corporal Kurt St. Germain joined the Army in 1995 thanks to a similar initiative called the Northern Native Entrance program.
"I´ve always wanted to get back into this program and teach kids that come here," said MCpl St. Germain, from 17 Wing Winnipeg, Detachment Dundurn. "They get the discipline, the confidence, the camaraderie. They all become really good friends here."
"If coming here changes their life by even one degree, and we can possibly save one person from what is happening in the reservations and what has been in the news lately with the violence and gangs, then we know we did our job. It makes me proud to be here on parade and see these kids graduate."
19-year history
The Bold Eagle program started 19 years ago as a cooperative effort in youth development between the Canadian Forces and First Nations of Saskatchewan. It has expanded include Aboriginal youth from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Since its inception, over 1000 youth have graduated and many are active in the Canadian Forces. The Bold Eagle program is a partnership between the Department of National Defence, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, and Aboriginal organizations from across Western Canada.
Article by Sergeant Steve Hofman, Army News
Photos by Sgt Steve Hofman, Pte Carole Beggs and Pte William Adair
(source)
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