This release was issued under a previous government.
The Bold Eagle program is a challenging six-week summer employment program that combines Indigenous culture learning with military training.
“Connecting students to career paths early on ensures Alberta has an educated, engaged workforce. The Bold Eagle program opens up more opportunities for students to get real-life, hands-on learning and to obtain the credits they need to finish high school.”
“The Bold Eagle program blends Indigenous culture and traditions with discipline and teamwork. Programs like this are life-changing. Participants will carry these lessons for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to join the Canadian Armed Forces or follow another career path.”
“The Bold Eagle program has helped Indigenous youth across Western and Northern Canada cultivate self-confidence, resilience, teamwork skills and self-discipline for 29 years. I am pleased that the hard work that graduates put in over the course of the program now also includes high school credit, providing tangible recognition for their tremendous accomplishments.”
Participants start the program by learning traditional Indigenous values and teachings from Indigenous Elders and cultural staff. They subsequently learn a range of skills including weapons-handling, navigation, first aid, drill, outdoor field craft and survival. The program runs from July to August each year at the Canadian Armed Forces Base in Wainwright.
Quick facts
- Participants will earn up to five credits for completion of the Bold Eagle program.
- The Bold Eagle program will be eligible for high school credit at the start of the 2018-19 school year.
- Alberta has some of the highest enrolment rates for the program, with an estimated 400 graduates since 1990.