Cadet squadron instills discipline and pride
Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Cambridge Bay (Apr 06/01) - Darrell Ohokannoak is living proof that army cadets work.
He joined cadets when he was 12. Even now, nearly two decades later, he said the lessons he learned as a youth are still valuable today.
"It taught me self-discipline," said Ohokannoak, still with the 3004 Army Cadets in an instructor's role.
Ohokannoak said the early experiences taught him to be independent and made it easier for him to travel and live away from home. That enabled him to get the education he needed to succeed.
"When I left home for high school and stayed in residence, it wasn't that hard ... when I went to college, it wasn't that big of a shock," said Ohokannoak.
He now has the rank of second lieutenant with the corps, and Ohokannoak said his continued involvement was his way of contributing to his community.
His commitment means taking part in the thrice weekly activities. He teaches the cadets how to shoot, how to work with maps and compasses and the basics of first aid. Ohokannoak said he can see a real difference in the youth who get involved.
"It's good for the kids to go out and compete and it's good to see how happy they are and how well they did," he said.
The squadron recently won two different regional competitions, beating out cadets from several other communities for the honour.
Ohokannoak said youth who wanted to participate in the cadets had a strict set of criteria to follow, including maintaining good marks in school.
They are frequently rewarded for their efforts.
"We've had cadets go over to Scotland, Germany and we just had two return from the Grand Canyon," said Ohokannoak. Cadets also get the opportunity to participate in summer camps in Whitehorse and are treated to spring camping trips on the tundra outside Cambridge Bay.
Christopher Gillis, 17, said the experience has turned him into an outgoing young man with plenty of opportunity.
"When I was 12 years old, I wouldn't have been able to speak in front of a large group of people. Now, they put me in front of a large quantity of people and I'm not afraid to speak out," said Gillis.
Trying to choose between a career as a medic and a geologist, the Iqaluit-born youth said he's witnessed positive changes in his peers as well.
That kind of favourable development pleases Gillis' father, the driving force behind the organization.
Capt. Rick Gillis started the group some 20 years ago, and said he's seen a generation of Kitikmeot youths pass through the squadron and move on to bigger and better things.
"In some small way, it helps," said Gillis.
"The kids know very well if they don't get through their formative years on the positive side, there's not much to look forward to," he said.
"If they push hard, they come out ahead of the game."
