The Canadian Forces are gearing up for the Indigenous focused, Bold Eagle Summer Training Program.
The program combines Indigenous culture and teachings with military basic training.
“The program contributes to the development of Indigenous youth by fostering their self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness,” said Captain Trenton Gervais, Bold Eagle Coordinator.
Bold Eagle is recruiting for their upcoming summer training at the Canadian Forces Training Base in Wainwright, Alberta. The program is six-weeks in length and consists of one-week of cultural experience and the remaining weeks are for basic military training, also known as boot camp.
Elders will be accessible 24-hours-a-day and seven days a week throughout the six-week training course to support the recruits. The recruits will be living in barracks that will have all the amenities that they will need. After the recruits complete the program, a graduation parade is presented, and it is one of the most spectacular events in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Graduates of the Bold Eagle program can continue with the primary reserve or the regular forces. The Canadian Armed Forces have many trades that are available, and recruits can apply for any of those that they qualify for after completion of the Bold Eagle Program. Some choose not to return to the forces and have become community leaders and some have joined the police force. You can take a break and return three or four years later as well.
“We really want to encourage our young people to come on to these courses, to gain some valuable skills even if they don’t carry on with the forces, it’s something that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives,” explained Gervais.
Bold Eagle will be accepting applications until April 30, 2024. For more information about visit Forces.ca.
(Photo submitted.)