Rankin Inlet (Oct 29/03) - Canadian Rangers from across the Kivalliq region, Hall Beach and Iglulik gathered in Rankin Inlet this past week for leadership training.

The Rangers will take the skills they learned during the program back to their home communities to pass on to other members of their patrols.

A wide-array of topics were covered during the week-long course, including drill, communication and reporting procedures.

The gathering was highlighted by an appearance from the commanding officer of the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), Maj. Stu Gibson.

The Rangers are regarded as the Canadian Forces' eyes and ears in the North in support of Canadian sovereignty.

The 1CRPG supports 59 patrols across the three territories, Northern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Maj. Gibson told the Rangers they had inherited leadership responsibilities by being elected as sergeants, master corporals and corporals within their patrols.

"These are not figurehead positions," Gibson said.

"One of the most important things we expect from those gathered here is to set an example.

"As leaders, these guys have to have a little more energy than everybody else on the patrol and accept the extra duties and responsibilities."

Gibson stressed the importance of good communication between the individual patrols and their instructors.

He said the passage of information is growing more important as the role the Rangers play in their communities continues to expand.

"We need to see more reports coming in as to what's going on in the individual communities in regards to the Rangers.

"Rangers are getting involved with the RCMP and search-and-rescue missions. All that has an impact on the types of training we deliver."

Gibson also spoke to the Rangers about the role they play in the development of the Junior Rangers program.

He said Rangers have to always remember their standing in the community, and that many Inuit youth aspire to one day become Rangers themselves.

"A community has to take ownership of its own Junior Rangers program.

"Your role is to help with supervision and pass on your knowledge to the kids, whether that's land skills, mechanical or simply teaching little Johnny the proper way to skin a caribou.

"That's all an important part of the Junior Ranger program."