The Regional Cadet Support United Command Team visited the 2384 Kainai Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps last month. Photo by Chief Warrant Officer Tony Savard
The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) Command Team visited 2384 Kainai, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps last month to share stories, listen to local needs, and develop relationships with the local community at the Mi’kai’sto Red Crow Community College in Stand Off.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Diduck, commanding officer and regional Chief Warrant Officer Tony Savard met Capt. Susan Bruised Head, commanding officer, four local cadets, community supporters and local staff during the visit.
Savard said the visit included an opening prayer and teepee lesson by elder Patrick Black Plume, a parade, and an opportunity for all cadets and stakeholders to communicate with each other.
“Master Corporal Levi Slingerland was in charge of the parade, and he had a drill voice that appeared to come to him naturally,” Savard said. “Youth who are interested in participating in the local cadet program will be welcomed by the Blood Tribe community and the army cadets in Stand Off.”
Bruised Head has provided support to 2384 cadets for more than 17 years and continues to be passionate about the cadet program.
Bruised Head is strongly supported by the elders, chief and council, Blood Tribe Recreation and Social Development in Stand Off.
“I believe that with the dedication and commitment by the staff, cadets and the community, the army cadet corps will continue to be successful for years to come,” said Lieut. Robert Newton, zone training officer.
Bruised Head said they work with the cadet program, “To provide youth with positive experiences that will develop healthy lifestyles within the community.”
Through participation in cadet training activities, Bruised Head hopes youth learn, and know, that “there are many opportunities out there for them when they transition into adulthood.”
With local cadet registration having dropped throughout the pandemic, Bruised Head is hoping to use community activities, training weekends, and word of mouth to entice both youth and adult leaders to join the corps.
“It would be nice to have 30 cadets and a few more staff members, so that we can get back to cadets teaching cadets,” Bruised Head said. “That is our goal. Until then, we will continue to develop our cadets and offer activities like survival. Our survival field training exercise will be conducted the third week in October.”
“Adults who want to give back to the community and develop youth would be assets to the cadet program.”
The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication.
Youth who are interested in joining the cadet program can do so by visiting Join the Cadet Program at www.canada.ca or e-mailing 2384army@cadets.gc.ca.
Becoming part of the cadet program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community.
It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace.
No previous military or cadet experience is required.
