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KIVALLIQ/WHITEHORSE
Kivalliq youths from Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet and Whale Cove wrapped up the training opportunity of their lives earlier this month.

Katelyn Tanuyak, 14, of Chesterfield Inlet takes aim with a slingshot during traditional training at the Junior Canadian Rangers training session in Whitehorse, Yukon, this past month. - photo courtesy of Capt. Steven Watton

The Kivalliq youths were among 193 Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) from across the North who attended a basic enhanced training session (ETS) offered by the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG) at Boyle Barracks in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Exercise Skookum Ptarmigan VIII ran from June 24 to July 1, and attracted JCRs from 33 hamlets across the three territories and Atlin, B.C.

The training focused on core values in traditional, life and Ranger skills.

Capt. Stephen Watton said every youth who attended the session had the chance to train on all-terrain vehicles, safety and handling, navigation, abseiling, marksmanship, trapping, swift water rescue, canoeing, woodsmanship and mountain biking.

He said the participants also had the opportunity to march in the Whitehorse Canada Day parade.

"The emphasis of the ETS is to provide JCRs with the chance to interact and experience cultural differences, while building selfesteem and selfconfidence through practical implementation of skill activities in a fun and safe outdoor environment," said Watton.

"For some JCRs, being in a large community like Whitehorse meant shopping for items to take home.

"For others, camp is an opportunity to practise a second language or simply meet new friends."

Safety plays a big role in the program, as well as in being a Junior Ranger in general.

Watton said safety was emphasized throughout every aspect of training, from woodsmanship to water activities.

He said the JCRs were also part of a special evening activity during the session, getting to contribute to a gift made for Prince William and his wife, Catherine.

"Traditional tanned moosehide slippers, trimmed with locally harvested beaver fur and complete with intricate beadwork, were designed by Canadian Ranger Joanne Tetlichi of Fort McPherson, NWT, and each JCR had the opportunity to sew beads to the back strip.

"The slippers were presented to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on July 5."

JCRs who attended the training session were selected by adult committee members in each community based on their performance during the year.

More than 30 Rangers from across the North and 15 staff from 1 CRPG provided instruction and assisted in running the training sessions.

Maj. Jeff Allen, the 1 CRPG's commanding officer, said the JCRs were exposed to opportunities not normally available in isolated or remote communities.

"The Canadian Forces, and 1 CRPG in particular, support the progress of our youth in the North through the JCR program by offering unique and challenging activities during the training

sessions," said Allen.

JCR Capt. Sharon Low said the youths who attended the training session will remember the experience for the rest of their lives.

"We challenge them with new experiences and enhance their Ranger and life skills," said Low.

"We do this while respecting and incorporating their individual cultural and traditional skills."

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