Aboriginals

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Canadians are employed in challenging and rewarding jobs throughout the military. The Canadian Forces celebrates the contributions of Aboriginal peoples and works with communities and leaders to increase awareness of what a military career has to offer.

 

See Programs for information on our summer youth employment and training programs:

Please note that participants in these programs are not obligated to join Canadian Forces.

 

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Aboriginal Leadership Opportunities Year

 

The Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY) is a one-year program offered through the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). It is a highly positive, productive educational and leadership experience for Aboriginal youth. You have the opportunity to develop an individual learning plan comprised of non-credit preparatory courses with individual or small group tutorials and first-year university courses. The ALOY program will include sports, field trips, leadership development, military training and cultural support activities.

 

As part of the program, you will be enrolled in the Canadian Forces for a period of one year as an Officer Cadet and will receive free tuition and books. You may leave the program at any time during the year. At the end of the year, you may apply to continue at RMC in a degree program and will begin the Regular Officer Training Program. Some participants may be offered the opportunity to continue at RMC under the Reserve Entry Training Plan.

 

To apply for this program you must:

 

All applications must be submitted by February 15.

 

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Youth Development Programs

 

The Canadian Forces offers three seven-week Youth Development Programs that combine military training with cultural awareness: Bold Eagle, Raven and Black Bear. These summer training programs give you a taste of military training with the option - but no commitment - to pursue employment with the Canadian Forces. We provide transportation to and from the program location, housing, food, clothing and all necessary equipment. You are enrolled in the Canadian Forces for the seven-week program and are paid at a standard rate for a Private recruit, earning approximately $3,500 for the completing the seven-week program.

 

The programs all begin with a Culture Camp, which 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. 

 

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.

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Bold Eagle

 

Bold Eagle is a training program for Aboriginal youth living in Western Canada or Northwestern Ontario. Successful applicants will train and learn in Wainwright, Alberta during the months of July and August. Application deadline is the end of March.

 

To apply for this program you must:

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Raven

 

Raven is the Navy’s summer programme for Aboriginal youth from across Canada. Successful applicants will participate in a range of cultural and military activities in Esquimalt, British Columbia during the months of July and August. Application deadline is the end of March.

 

To apply for this program you must:

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Black Bear

 

This training and employment programme for Aboriginal youth from across Canada. Successful applicants will participate in a range of cultural and military activities in Borden, Ontario, during the months of July and August. Application deadline is the end of March.

 

To apply for this program you must:

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Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program

 

The Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program (CFAEP) is a special three-week recruiting program that offers a flavour of full-time regular force training and employment opportunities to qualified Aboriginal people across Canada. You will learn more about military careers and the military life before you decide to join.  The program takes place at either the Canadian Forces Base Halifax, Nova Scotia or the Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario. You are paid a $1,200 bonus for completing the course and awarded a certificate of military achievement. The application deadline is July 31.

 

The long and proud history of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada’s military is an important element of the program. Aboriginal counsellors are available to assist with the transition to military life.

 

You will experience portions of the Basic Military Qualification such as morning inspections, daily physical fitness and sports, navigation with compass and maps, basic weapons training and military drill. You will also tour ships, visit Air Force squadrons and try living in field conditions.

 

CFAEP applicants join the course as civilians with no obligation to join the Canadian Forces. If you are selected for the CFAEP, you start by attending a three-week Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC) at a training establishment located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, ON or CFB Halifax, NS.  The Canadian Forces will provide your transportation to and from  the training establishment, provide housing, food, clothing and all necessary equipment to complete the course. Graduates who choose to enrol return home for two weeks before starting Basic Military Qualification.

 

To apply for this program you must:

 

Canada’s First People’s have made a significant contribution to Canada’s military history. Aboriginal peoples demonstrated themselves as valuable allies to the British during the American Revolution of 1775, the War of 1812 and in South Africa during the Boer War. Thousands of Aboriginal men and women participated in both World Wars, and many won citations for their bravery. Many became snipers or reconnaissance scouts, drawing upon traditional hunting and military skills. Aboriginal soldiers also participated during the Korean War and the Gulf War. On each occasion, Canada’s Native soldiers overcame cultural challenges and made impressive sacrifices and contributions to help the nation in its efforts to restore world peace.

In recognition of these sacrifices and contributions, a national monument to the Aboriginal Veterans was unveiled in Ottawa on June 21, 2001. Designed by Lloyd Pinay, the monument is made of bronze and stone. It reflects traditional beliefs about honour, duty and harmony with the environment. The two figures holding weapons and the two holding spiritual items are drawn from various Aboriginal groups of Canada and convey a sense of balance, implying that often a desire for peace lies at the root of war. The eagle that occupies the highest point is the symbol of the Creator (known as the Thunderbird), and embodies the spirit of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The four animals, the wolf, grizzly, buffalo and caribou, represent spirit guides.