RAVEN Aboriginal Youth Initiative

Are you an Aboriginal Youth living in Canada, and are you looking for a very challenging and rewarding employment opportunity for the summer? Do you like to make new friends, work hard, like do physical activities and enjoy the outdoors? Then maybe applying for the RAVEN Program is exactly what you are looking for.

In the summer of 2003, the Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific implemented the first RAVEN Aboriginal Youth Employment Program . This outreach program is designed to build bridges into the Aboriginal communities in Canada and to make Aboriginal youth aware of potential military or civilian careers with the Department of National Defence.

The program is a total of 6 weeks long and gives you a very good idea at life in the Canadian Forces. You can complete the program with the option - but no commitment - to pursue a career in the Reserve Force, Regular Force, or work in a Civilian Occupation with the National Defence.

RAVEN is held at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt at the Work Point Barracks, and the staff are current Military members who have years of experience. The Culture Camp phase is administered by Elders from different First Nations and Aboriginal groups.

The application deadline is 30 April 2013. If you wish to file an application, be sure you have it in to the Recruiting Centre by that date.

To apply or if you have questions about the application process contact 1-800-856-8488 or www.forces.ca/

If you have more specific questions about the program please contact the Raven Program Coordinators:

Raven Program Contact: ESQRAVEN@FORCES.GC.CA

Important Dates for RAVEN 2013

Application deadline:

30 April 2013

Travel to Victoria:

11-13 July 2013

Culture Camp:

16-18 July 2013

Military Training:

15 July - 23 August 2013

Graduation:

22 August 2013

Travel Home:

23-25 August 2013

(please understand that these dates may change again before the end of this year)

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The RAVEN Program Consists of Two Phases:

1. A Culture Camp; and

2. A military recruit training course.

The Culture Camp:

The Culture Camp phase is administered by Elders of different British Columbia First Nations and Aboriginal groups with the intent of sharing different cultures and facilitating the transition to military training.

The camp is instructed in a manner that is beneficial to all Aboriginal backgrounds by focusing on the common components unique to Aboriginal Culture.

The Military Recruit Training:

The Recruit Training phase is instructed by military personnel.

During this training you will learn the knowledge and skills that every recruit is required to complete during their Basic Military Qualification. The areas that are taught include:

• applying basic military knowledge;
• operating the service rifle;
• maintaining physical fitness proficiency;
• performing drill
• administering first aid;
• surviving on a filed environment;
• operating under NBC conditions;
• communicating orally and in writing;
• maintaining a safe working environment;
• and identifying professional development concepts.

The program is designed to contribute to the development of the Aboriginal Youth by fostering self-confidence, self-discipline, physical fitness, and teamwork.

What Qualities Are Expected of the Students?

The traditional qualities expected from the RAVEN students throughout the course are:

• Integrity;
• Loyalty;
• Honestly;
• Exemplary Conduct;
• Dedication;
• Courage; and
• Teamwork.

Who is eligible?

A limited number of candidates will be accepted.

Applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

• Be between 17 and 29 years of age however those 30 and over may apply.
• If under the age of 18, have the consent of parents and/or legal guardians.
• Have completed grade 10.
• Be physically and medically fit.
• Be a Canadian citizen.
• For the application process, applications must include:
• High school transcripts (original and signed);
• Birth certificate (front and back); and
• Three references.
• (Note: If you make it through the application process, you will need to provide your Social Insurance Card/Number.)

What is Provided to Program Participants?

• Transportation to and from CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, BC.
• Military clothing and all required equipment for the training.
• All meals and accommodations.
• Pay equivalent to the rate of pay for a Class B Reservist of the Private rank (approximately $3500.00 for the entire program).

What Credits and Qualifications do Graduates Receive?

All candidates who successfully complete the First Aid Training, will receive their Standard First Aid and Level C CPR Certificates.

All graduates from British Columbia will receive four (4) High School credits, as granted by the BC Ministry of Education.

What Comes After Graduation?

Currently all candidates who successfully complete the RAVEN Program receive a partial qualification. If they live near a Naval Reserve Unit, they can complete additional training in order to achieve the complete Basic Military Qualification. There is absolutely NO obligation to join the Canadian Forces, however, if graduates of RAVEN choose that they do wish to join either the Regular or Reserve Force, they will have a full understanding of what waits them in Recruit School.

Date modified:

12/12/2013

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