Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation is preparing to launch a military co-op program for high school students, along with the Canadian Forces.
Band Councillor Kevin Seesequasis, a retired military Captain says the program will run along with the school year and it is the first time a First Nation high school has been a part of it.
He says the 25 students involved will enroll with the Canadian Armed Forces, and undergo training with the North Saskatchewan Regiment, mostly in Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
“The youth will also receive a salary, they will receive transportation from the Canadian forces to and from the different locations for the training and they will also participate in the basic military qualification”.
The partnership was initiated by Sheldon Couillonneur, a graduate of the Bold Eagle program and the principal of the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex.
Seesequasis the training will be done along with the students’ usual high school education.
“The project does run concurrently throughout the school year, it will run from February 1 through June 30, Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and they are still working on some details”.
A community advisory group comprised of local veterans, parents of interested applicants, and leadership will be established to assist with the development of and oversight of the project.
A community Town Hall will occur in the next few weeks to inform community members about the initiative.