Photo supplied from Bold Eagle – FSIN Facebook page
The 37th year of the Bold Eagle military training program has officially wrapped up with 64 participants from this summer graduating from the program.
Bold Eagle is a six-week summer training program designed for Indigenous youth, both men and women, aged 16 to 29 with Grade 10, from western Canada and northwestern Ontario, conducted at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta. The program combines military training with Indigenous cultural teachings.
This program started in 1989 as a local pilot initiative in Saskatchewan that was created by the Prince Albert Tribal Council and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) got involved in 1990 to help expand the program.
“At its core, its basic military qualification for the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Chris Bird, Bold Eagle Coordinator with FSIN. “Specifically, the Reserve Force, part-time Army.”
Participants enrolled receive approximately $4,200 in salary during the program.
The program aims to develop self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect and physical fitness.
There are two main components to the training including cultural activities led by Elders during the culture camp, followed by military Training where participants complete a five-week basic military training course.
The recruits learn general military knowledge and law, weapons handling and safety, drill, first aid, navigation and survival skills taught by Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
“It’s 5:30 a.m. in the morning straight till 10:00 p.m. at night,” said Bird. “They live together and train together.”
There is a 3-day field portion where recruits learn how to live in the field and how to make a small shelter with their ground sheet.
They learn how to cook their meals and set up the stoves.
The training is very physically demanding, and Bird said the recruits participate in physical training first thing each morning that includes a run and other exercises before the daily military training begins.
“As far as FSIN is concerned, the aim is for experience and a program for character building, to be able to get some work experience,” said Bird.
Some recruits may want to continue with the Canadian Armed Forces and will take other courses within the military.
Bird said part of the Bold Eagle management committee includes members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that look at recruiting the graduates for their organization.
“One thing I always say when they’re first starting, you can accomplish a certain amount, but once you’re done Bold Eagle, you’ll realize that you can accomplish a whole lot more,” said Bird.
Applications for next years program will be accepted from October to April. Spots are limited.
For more information visit: forces.ca