The Forces offers three summer training programs that combine military lifestyle with cultural awareness: Bold Eagle, Raven and Black Bear. These six-week long programs give you a taste of military training with the option – but no commitment – to join the Forces. The training is based on the Army Reserve Basic Military Qualification and is taught by military instructors. Subjects include General Military Knowledge, Weapons Handling, Navigation, First Aid, Drill, and Survival Skills.
All three summer training programs begin with a culture camp. The camp is designed to ease the transition from civilian to military lifestyle, and focuses on common spiritual beliefs.
All culture camps are conducted by elders of different First Nations and Aboriginal groups.
- BOLD EAGLE is open to Aboriginal Peoples living in Western Canada or Northwestern Ontario. Participants will train in Wainwright, Alberta.
- RAVEN is the Navy’s summer program for Aboriginal Peoples from across Canada. Participants train in Esquimalt, British Columbia.
- BLACK BEAR is an Army training program for Aboriginal Peoples from across Canada that takes place in Oromocto, New Brunswick.
Travel is arranged to and from the program, living accommodations, food, clothing and all equipment. While you are in the program you are temporarily a Forces member and are paid around $3,500 for completing the full six weeks.
To qualify for the summer training programs, you must have completed at least Grade 10 (Sec IV in Quebec).
Applications are due by the end of March so that all the arrangements can be made for the beginning of the programs in July. When filling out the online application, indicate the summer training program you are interested in under “Program Choices”.
