Bold Eagle: creating choices, changing lives – The Bold Eagle program celebrates 25 years of bringing Aboriginal culture and military training together

August 14, 2014 – Ottawa, Department of National Defence

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army was at the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bold Eagle program. The Commander saluted this year’s graduates alongside Vice-Chief E. Dutch Lerat, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Bold Eagle Management Committee members, First Nations Chiefs and Elders, and families.

Bold Eagle is a tailored partnership program that helps Aboriginal youth from across western Canada develop self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, and valuable leadership skills. Of the 107 Aboriginal candidates in this year’s Bold Eagle program, 94 are graduating.

Quick Facts

• Bold Eagle is a summer youth program that combines Aboriginal culture with military training, offering candidates hands-on skills development, teamwork experience, physical fitness, cultural, and military teaching components.
• The Bold Eagle program began in Saskatchewan in 1989 as a local initiative between the Prince Albert Tribal Council (now the Prince Albert Grand Council) and the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF).
• With this year’s candidates, more than 1 350 Aboriginal youth have completed the Bold Eagle program in its 25 year history.
• Bold Eagle applicants are aged 16 to 29. Each summer, their training consists of two parts:
  • a four-day Cultural Camp administered by Elders of different First Nations and Metis instructed in a manner beneficial to all Aboriginal backgrounds.
  • a five-week Basic Military Qualification course administered by military personnel which trains candidates in basic military knowledge, weapons handling, navigation with map and compass, first aid, drill, outdoor field craft, and survival skills.
• Bold Eagle recruits are enrolled in the Primary Reserve at the beginning of the course. Graduates may continue their part-time Canadian Armed Forces career when they return home, although this is not required.
• Lieutenant-General Hainse, Commander Canadian Army, is also the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) Champion for Aboriginal Peoples.

Quotes
“This is a special year as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bold Eagle program. The past 25 years are a reflection of the devotion and determination of the many who have contributed to the phenomenal success of Bold Eagle. The traditions and values of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples contribute greatly to our nation’s historical and cultural diversity. The Canadian Army is proud to be a part of such a remarkable endeavour. I look forward to the next 25 years.”

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army and DND/CAF Champion for Aboriginal Peoples.
“On behalf of the Chiefs and First Nation leadership of Saskatchewan, we offer our sincere congratulations to all who have been involved with this unprecedented youth development program. It has truly been an honour to be involved with the program along with the Canadian Army and we look forward to the next 25 years!”

3rd Vice-Chief E. Dutch Lerat, Federation Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Related Products

Associated Links
25 years of Bold Eagle Flickr
Bold Eagle 2014 Flickr
Bold Eagle webpage

Canadian Army Links
Canadian Army website
Canadian Army Facebook
Canadian Army Twitter
Canadian Army YouTube
Canadian Army Flickr

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Contacts

Jennifer Wright
Public Affairs Officer
3rd Canadian Division Headquarters
Phone: (780) 973-4011 Ext. 4325
780-566-9387

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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