UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN - Twenty-five Junior Canadian Rangers from Gjoa Haven participated in training from March 25 to March 27.

Instructor Warrant Officer Danny Ring from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in Yellowknife and Junior Rangers elder Jacob Atkkichok, from JCR Gjoa Haven Patrol, pose for a picture while out on the land. - photo courtesy of 1 CRPG

The Junior Rangers were given instruction on everything from the rank structure of the Canadian Forces to hypothermia and frostbite prevention before embarking on a journey on the land to put their skills to the test.

While outside the community, the Junior Rangers participated in a caribou hunt, pitched and tore down MacPherson tents and practised their cooking skills.

Warrant Officer Danny Ring, the instructor, said the training combines both traditional and conventional skills.

"Going out on the land is a way of life for many adults and youth in Northern communities," Ring said.

"Having practical survival skills as part of the regular Junior Canadian Ranger learning is a way of keeping the traditional skills alive."