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“I always get dazzled by it,” he said. “Every year I try to figure out what’s done with them. I watch them change into being actual soldiers who know how to march, who know how to listen (and) follow orders quite well.”

Around 1,400 people have completed the program since its founding.

Maj. Darin Jenkins, who has been in charge of Bold Eagle for two years, said the main aim is to teach young people life skills, rather than recruit soldiers.

A “small percentage” do go on to active military service or time in the reserves, he said.

“For others, they can’t because they live in a very remote location and they choose not to move to a more urban setting,” he said. “So it’s a small percentage that will actually join the regular force or the primary reserve, but really this program is about youth development.”

The training starts with three or four days of Indigenous cultural activities, including ceremonies and sweat lodges.

After that, recruits go through the Canadian Armed Forces primary reserve basic military qualification — also known as basic training.

That includes fitness training, as well as instruction on marching and basic skills like first aid. Recruits also learn to use the C7A1 rifle, and go through ethics and values courses.

Ocean Carter, 16, a student at Edmonton’s J. Percy Page Secondary, said the program taught her about the military as well as her Métis heritage. A member of the cadets, Carter learned about the program through Métis and First Nations programs at school.

“I have a better knowledge of the military than I did before,” she said. “I don’t live with the native side of my family, so to be able to come here for this culture camp was a unique experience for me.”

For many, it’s their first time away from home. Whitehawk said he and other elders, who live with the recruits on base, are there to be a supportive ear.

He said his job is to listen to recruits and help them through the gruelling six weeks.

“It’s a hard program,” he said.

jwakefield@postmedia.com