Confident Ravens fly home

The sweet vanilla scent of a Seneca grass smudge wafted through the air as part of a unique cross-cultural graduation ceremony held on a military parade square August 24th.
Sixty-three Aboriginal youth, ages 16 to 25, united for their final march as part of Raven, the Navy’s Aboriginal youth employment program, comprised by a four-day culture camp followed by a six-week basic recruit training phase.

“One with the strength of many,” they roared in unison as family, friends, First Nations Elders, politicians, and program staff watched their final inspection by Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific.

Aboriginal youth participating in the Navy’s Raven Aboriginal Summer Youth Employment Program take to Victoria's Gorge Waterway in war canoes July 12th, learning how to paddle and work as a team. Photo: Ed Dixon, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt

They lived that motto during their seven weeks as Ordinary Seaman trainees. The program started July 8th with Aboriginal youth from 10 provinces and territories across Canada.

Once nervous youth, many away from home for the first time, they are now full of confidence.

“This has changed my life,” said 18-year old Nicole Shingoose from the Koti Nation in Saskatchewan, who earned the Top Student Award. “My self esteem is so high. It’s really opened my eyes to trying new things and made me want to see more in the world.”

Ron Joe, 24, from Seabird Island's Sto:lo Nation, a community five kilometres north of Agassiz, B.C., checks out the ship's position from the bridge wing of a Navy ship July 30th. Ron spent the morning at sea on board HMCS Brandon, a Kingston Class maritime coastal defence vessel, with other Aboriginal youth taking part in the seven-week Raven Aboriginal Youth Employment Program. While on board, Raven participants received a first-hand look at the work of Canada's sailors, learning more about how the Navy serves Canadians. The morning included shiphandling demonstrations, seamanship drills, and most importantly, plenty of opportunities for participants to interact with the men and women of today's Canadian Navy. Photo: Ed Dixon, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt

That change in outlook was the ultimate goal of the Raven program, which took them bounding through the obstacle course at Albert Head, rappelling down the tower at Work Point, and foraging for edibles during the outdoor survival camp.

At the end of the 48 days, 18-year old Raven Jackson of Wikwemikong, Ontario, had made the longest stride forward and was recognized with the Most Improved Student Award. She could hardly keep from smiling as she broke out of formation to accept her award.

“When they called my name for most improved I was in shock and felt like I was floating,” said Raven. “I was so slow at drill at first but halfway through the program I started keeping up and things got better for me.”

Now in its fifth year, the Navy’s Raven program began as a regional outreach program similar to the Army’s Bold Eagle program. In 2007, the Raven program went national, accepting Aboriginal youth - First Nations, Inuit and Métis - from across Canada.

Chief Andy Thomas of Esquimalt Nation stood behind the podium and reflected on the four-day culture camp when the group shared traditional customs and stories with each other and local Elders.

“You have all come so far since culture camp when everyone was new here. I hope you take the skills you have learned and put them in your heart,” he said. “These are skills you will need on any path you choose after today.”

After the 90-minute ceremony, the graduated Ravens were let loose to hug their families. On top of gaining better health and fitness, first aid and survival skills, and a glimpse into military life, the youth go home with $500 a week earnings and “credit” for some CF Basic Military Qualification should they decide to join the Regular or Reserve Force.

“I’m not sure what I want to do yet,” says 18-year old Josh Baton of Fort Simpson, NWT. “All I can think right now is how much I missed everyone when I get off the plane. But I’m taking home the same things that everyone else is taking: strength, friendship and memories.” 

The Esquimalt Singers and Dancers, a local First Nations drum group, perform a traditional Welcoming Song, a way for local First Nations to honour and welcome guests to their territory, at the 2007 Raven Aboriginal Youth Employment Program graduation ceremony in Victoria, BC August 24th.

Warrant Officer Tom Woodrow and Sgt. David Thompson lead the proud graduates past reviewing officer Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific, at the Canadian Navy's 2007 Raven Aboriginal Youth Employment Program graduation ceremony in Victoria August 24th. Photo: Pte. Malcolm Byers, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

Sixteen-year-old Clarissa Soney from Walpole Island, a community approximately fifty kilometres northeast of Windsor, Ont., rappels down a 10-metre rappel tower Aug 1st. Photo: Ed Dixon, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt

jEighteen-year-old Nicole Shingoose of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, receives an award for Top Student from Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific and the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. Photo: MCpl Fabien Lehoux, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt

Eighteen-year-old Raven Jackson of Wikwemikong, Ontario, receives an award for Most Improved Student from the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, and Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific. "I was so slow at drill at first but halfway through the program I started keeping up and things got better for me." Photo: MCpl Fabien Lehoux, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Gale from Eskansoni, Nova Scotia receives an award for Camaraderie from the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, and Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific. Photo: Pte. Malcolm Byers, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

Nineteen-year-old Emily Nakogee of North Bay, Ontario, receives an award for Top Female Athlete from Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific and the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. Photo: Pte. Malcolm Byers, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

Seventeen-year-old Laurier Mathieu of Powell River, B.C. receives an award for Top Male Athlete from the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, and Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific. Photo: Pte. Malcolm Byers, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

Sixteen-year-old Jacob Wynne from North Bay, Ontario receives an award for Marksmanship ("Top Shot") from Captain (Navy) Peter Avis of Maritime Forces Pacific and the Honourable Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. Photo: MCpl Fabien Lehoux, Base Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt.

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