Looking for recruits

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From the first week of July to the middle of August, Aboriginal men and woman who dream of military life can attend a program called 'Bold Eagle.' The program designed for Aboriginal youth is open to male or female applicants from 17 to 26 years of age who are First Nations members. The program consists of a one week cultural camp before the training program actually begins.

The camp is attended by Elders who serve as mentors. They teach the recruits the significance of a sweat, set up tee-pees and provide culturally based teachings such as basic outdoor survival and spirituality.

"We've found that the candidates of the 'Culture Camp' bonded and we've found this extremely successful," said Capt. John St. Dennis, Bold Eagle co-ordinator at the 38 Canadian Brigade Base in Winnipeg. Elders who teach the Culture course remain on the base for the duration of the Bold Eagle program.

Applicants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, although education, physical and mental requirements and having a clean police record are considered. Two letters of recommendations are also needed - one from a First Nation's representative and one from a parent or guardian if the applicant is 17 years of age.

The program originally started in Saskatchewan 10 years ago and now encompasses Western Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. This course is sponsored jointly by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Department of National Defense. This year the program has 100 positions to fill and is being held in Wainwright, Alberta. The deadline for applications is March 15. Successful candidates may transfer to a primary reserve nearby. This training promotes the values of self-esteem, discipline, team work, leadership training and physical fitness that enables the recruits to achieve an adequate entry level into Canada's military. The military attempts to use as many First Nations instructors as possible, participants taking the program will have their training costs provided as well as earn a salary for the duration of the program. For further information call the Canadian Armed Forces at 1-800-856-8488 or Regina's F.S.I.N office (306) 721-3600 or any local Canadian Armed Forces base.

The swearing-in ceremony begins on June 27. Culture Camp begins June 28 and ends on July 2, Military training begins on July 3 and ends on August 12. Graduation is open to the parents, grandparents, chiefs, relatives, and friends of the candidates on August 13.

Bold Eagle is also an excellent way to obtain skills to use for the general work force.

"It has a high success rate and graduates usually go on to join regular forces or the reserves," said St. Dennis .