First class military prospects

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Twenty-four Aboriginal graduates of the first Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry program celebrated in St. Jean, Que. Sept. 22.

The program is designed to give Aboriginal people interested in a military career a chance to see what it's all about before joining. The program was launched to increase the number of Aboriginal people in the Canadian military.

The students successfully completed the Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC), a three week course which allowed them to experience military life first hand. Studies during the course included military organization, weapons skills, rank structure, drill, and physical fitness.

The 25-member graduating class included students from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities from across Canada. Among those graduating was Tammy Campbell of Alberta.

Among those present at the graduation were representatives from the Assembly of first Nations, the Congress of Aboriginal People and the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, as well as Chief Gordie Oke of Kanesatake, and a representative from human resources within the Department of National Defence.

Nine graduates enrolled as members of the Canadian Forces during the ceremony.

For more information about the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program call 1-800-856-8488.