Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
In fact, she's been looking forward to signing up since she was 11 years old.
 Serena Siksik looks over a training obstacle during her Pre-Recruit Training Course in Farnham, Que. - photo courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces |
Siksik earned her Grade 12 diploma this year from Qitiqliq secondary school in Arviat.
She was quick to sign on the dotted line when a recruiter showed up at the school to introduce students to the military.
"After my 10-week basic training course, which begins on Oct. 27, I'll be going to Camp Borden, Ont., for my trades training to be a ship steward," says Siksik.
"That training takes seven weeks and I can hardly wait," she says.
"Signing up was the best decision I ever made."
Siksik just completed a three-week Pre-Recruit Training Course in Farnham, Que.
She describes the course as challenging and fulfilling.
"The first week was hard, but I got used to it and now I'm looking forward to my basic training. When I was 11 years old, a military crew came to my hamlet to train our Rangers and cadets. It's been in my heart to join the military ever since."
Siksik says more Inuit would sign up for the CAF if there was a recruiting centre in Nunavut.
She says there should also be more recruitment posters and information pamphlets in Kivalliq schools.
"If our young people learned more about the opportunities in the military, more of them would sign up and give it a try."
Siksik says when the military takes the time to send recruiters into the school, it gets the attention of local youth.
She says more Inuit would sign up if that were done more often.
"I hope when I come home in my uniform after Christmas, that might prompt some Inuit youth in the community to apply.
"I encourage Inuit to apply because this has been a great experience for me," she says.
"I've already travelled to Ottawa and Quebec, met people from across Canada and made new friends."
