Native youth meet Bold Eagle military challenge

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Every year Canadian teenagers hit the pavement in search of "the perfect" summer job. A job they hope pays above minimum wage and lets them have some fun at the same time.

Many of them are students looking for extra cash to buy a used car or to pay school tuition fees. Others just want to meet new friends and make some spending money.

This year however, 91 Native youth from across Western Canada took up a different challenge and joined the Army Reserves for the summer. They got free fitness training, lots of fresh air and were provided with meals and accommodation. As an added bonus, they made more than $3,000 in just seven weeks. But, more important than the money, they made a lot of great friends, and took away some terrific memories and experiences that will stay with them a lifetime.

These teens were part of the Bold Eagle Program which is a partnership between the Department of National Defence, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and First Nations organizations from across Western Canada. In its 11th year, the program included participation by First Nations youth from all Western Canadian provinces and Northwestern Ontario. The aim of the program is to foster self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork skills and physical fitness.

For many of the candidates it was their first time away from home and their communities. In an effort to mentally prepare them for the transition to a military training schedule and to promote group cohesion, the course offered a one-week culture camp administered by Elders of different First Nations. The camp was instructed in a manner beneficial to all Native backgrounds by focusing on the common spiritual components unique to First Nations. The Elders remained with the candidates throughout the course offering spiritual guidance and counselling if and when necessary.

The six-week recruit training course that followed challenged each candidate in a different way. Military personnel conducted the training, and candidates learned skills such as basic military knowledge, weapons handling, map using, first aid, drill and survival skills. All subjects are designed to emphasize the importance of teamwork.

"You put yourself through a lot of self-discipline," said Rachel Gaywish, 17, from Erickson, Man., when asked why she liked drill the best.

It was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" she added, saying she was glad her uncle had passed along the recruiting information to her.

For James Thompson of Pine River, Man., the obstacle course was the best part, although he thought the physical training would actually be harder than it was. James is considering a permanent career in the Canadian Forces and the Bold Eagle program gave him a taste of military life, without the long-term commitment, while he makes his decision.

Upon successfully completing Bold Eagle, candidates within close proximity to an Army Reserve unit are offered an opportunity for continued employment. Others return to their regular lifestyles, taking their experience with them, said Captain Dennis Desrochers, co-ordinator of the program.

In a recent radio interview, Desrochers said, "The people they meet - the friendships they make - give them a unique experience that provides strong bonds that only the group will understand from undergoing their personal trials and tribulations together as a team."

If you're up to the Bold Eagle challenge or know someone who's looking for a cool job for next summer, have them contact one of the provincial co-ordinators listed below. Applicants must be 16 years of age (applicants under 18 years of age require parental or legal guardian consent), be in possession of a valid treaty or status card and be physically fit.

For more information on the Bold Eagle Program contact your local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre at 1-800-856-8488.