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Length:

6-8 weeks (during summer months)

Location:

Throughout Canada

Apply By:

End of April

Start Date:

Summer start

Program Overview

Are you an Indigenous person living in Canada looking for a challenging and rewarding experience for the summer? Do you like to make new friends, enjoy doing physical activities and being outdoors? Then our Summer Programs may be exactly what you are looking for.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offers five summer training programs that are six to eight weeks in duration, combining a variety of Military training and Indigenous cultural teachings. These programs will help you develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect and fitness. This opportunity will allow you to find out more about yourself and what you are capable of achieving through hard work, perseverance and teamwork.

The CAF will arrange your travel to and from the program, living accommodations, food, clothing and all equipment. While you are in the program, you are a temporary CAF member and will be paid during your participation in the program.

To find which program is right for you, click on the program links below:

The Bold Eagle program is a Canadian Army training program that is designed for Indigenous youth mainly in Western Canada (Northern Ontario, the Prairies and BC) and applicants are accepted from Western Canada (from Thunder Bay to the West Coast, including the Territories). Some exceptions are authorized on the basis of family heritage. Participants train in Wainwright, Alberta, at the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre from early July to late August each year.

Bold Eagle Coordinator

Phone: 780-842-1363 ext 1575

Email: boldeagle@forces.gc.ca

For more information about the program, visit Bold Eagle - Canada.ca

Raven is a national program that takes place on Vancouver Island at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt and runs from July to August each summer. Raven is a unique blend of Indigenous teachings and naval-oriented military training showing the potential for part-time employment or a full-time career with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Raven Contact

Phone: 1-800-856-8488

Email: p-esqraven@forces.gc.ca

For more information about the program, visit Raven - Canada.ca

The Black Bear program is a Military Personnel Command program conducted by the Canadian Army for Indigenous peoples from across Canada; this is a national program. Participants train in Oromocto, New Brunswick, at the 5th Canadian Division Training Center.

Black Bear Contact

Phone: 506-292-0124

Email: Matt.Graham2@forces.gc.ca

Carcajou is a Canadian Army-led bilingual Indigenous post-enrolment program.

Carcajou Coordinator

Phone: 514-252-2777 ext:6311

Email: carcajou@forces.gc.ca

Grey Wolf is a Canadian Army development program for Indigenous Peoples living in Ontario.

Grey Wolf Recruiter

Phone: 416-633-6200 ext. 5524 or ext. 5120

Email: greywolf@forces.gc.ca

What You Will Learn

All training programs will have culture experiences. The program is designed to ease the transition from Civilian to Military lifestyle, and focuses on common Indigenous spiritual beliefs. All culture programs are led by Elders of different Indigenous groups.

During these programs you will have the opportunity to discover Military culture and training. The training you will take part in is based on the Basic Military Qualification course and is taught by experienced Military members. Classes and practical sessions on a variety of different Military subjects such as but not limited to:

  • General Military knowledge
  • Dress and deportment
  • Weapons training
  • Navigation
  • First Aid
  • Marching and drill

Upon Completion

  • You will receive the CAF Army Reserve Basic Military Qualification (BMQ).
  • You can choose to remain in the CAF (as a Regular Force member, a Reserve Force member or a Canadian Ranger) or to be released from service.
  • You may be able to make arrangements with your high school guidance counselor to register your time in the program as career experience credits.

How to Apply

Applicants must meet the following:

  • Be an Indigenous person (First Nation {Status or Non-Status}, Métis or Inuit);
  • Be a Canadian citizen;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
    • All applicants under the age of 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in this exciting opportunity.
  • Completed grade 10 or 24 credits of Quebec Secondaire IV.
    • If you’re still completing Grade 10, you must send us a letter from your high school outlining the courses you’re taking and your potential to complete them successfully. Make sure to send us your proof of completion early, as you cannot be enrolled in the program without it, and slots fill up early.
  • Meet the CAF common enrolment medical standard.

To apply to a summer training program, you must fill out the online application. When filling out the “Program Choices” field, choose “Bold Eagle”, “Raven”, “Black Bear”, “Carcajou”, or “Grey Wolf”.

Applications must be submitted by April 30th to allow sufficient processing time before the programs start (depending on availability and screening requirements, applications submitted after this date may still be considered). If you wish to file an application, be sure you submit it to your nearest Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting Centre.

Start Application

Contact Information

For more information about our programs or how to apply, Find a Recruiting Centre near you or visit our Help Centre. Reserve Detachments are also available to process applications for Carcajou and Grey Wolf.

You can also request a presentation in your community on the various CAF Indigenous programs.