Junior Canadian Rangers Opens Patrol in Pond Inlet
By Capt Steve Watton, UIO 1CRPG
The new Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) Patrol in the remote and isolated hamlet of Pond Inlet, NU, located 3023 km (1878 mi) from Ottawa, opened with great enthusiasm. Eighty-four youth signed up for the program during the period October 14 to 19, 2011.
Junior Canadian Ranger Instructors Warrant Officers Ed Patten, Danny Ring and Robert Bertrand from 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group headquarters located in Yellowknife arrived in Pond Inlet on October 14th to conduct a week long recruiting campaign which proved to be very successful. The drive attracted an additional 49 students from Nasivvik High School on top of the already pre-registered 35, the school has more than 270 students.
"What was really great was the kids' interest," said Warrant Officer Ed Patten, JCR instructor, "They wanted to be a part of the program, learn JCR skills and become more engaged and active citizens in their community.
Warrant Officer Ed Patten speaks the new Junior Canadian Rangers of Pond Inlet that signed up for the national youth program on during the enrolment blitz from October 14 to 19, 2011.
The Junior Rangers spent the weekend training at the community center where they learnt about safe handling of the air rifle, knots, stove and lantern maintenance, how to set up the MacPherson tent and learning drill. They were also outfitted with their green sweatshirts, pants, t-shirts and ball cap emblazoned with the Junior Canadian Ranger crest.
"We lined them up, taught them drill and talked about being fair to each other, about being honest, good, and helping elders if they need help," said Ranger Sergeant David Suqslak, Pond Inlet Ranger patrol leader.
Brigadier-General (BGen) Guy Hamel, Commander, Joint Task Force North officially opened the patrol during a special ceremony on October 19 where a commemorative stand-up certificate was signed by the Commander, Ranger Sergeant David Suqslak and hamlet Mayor Moses Koonark.
Pond Inlet Junior Canadian Rangers gather for a group photograph during introductory training to the program on Sunday, October 16, 2011.
"Ranger Instructors, Canadian Rangers and the community came together to create something very worthwhile for the youth of Pond Inlet," said Brig.-Gen Hamel. "JCR participate in activities that focus on outdoor on-the-land Canadian Ranger, Traditional and Life Skills that will last a lifetime".
New JCR Sergeant Elizabeth Quasa, 16 and JCR Master Corporal Emanule Maktar, 14, said they enjoyed the training. They are looking forward to attending the JCR Basic or Advance training session in Whitehorse, YT, or Calgary, Alta, to learn more great stuff.
"This has been fun" said Quasa. "I really enjoyed the air rifle training and I hope I can go to the advance training in Alberta to learn ice rescue, leadership and take part in other exciting activities."
"The best part was just learning new skills, and the drill was fun" said Maktar, "What would I have done if I hadn't been here? Just hang out, watch TV and play video games."
Master Warrant Officer Claude Lafrance and Brigadier-General Guy Hamel (from left) present the Junior Canadian Ranger flag to Junior Ranger Sergeant Elizabeth Quasa and Hamlet Mayor Moses Koonark during the official opening of the Pond Inlet patrol on October 19, 2011.
The Junior Rangers will meet every Wednesday evening and are planning to have their first patrol out on-the-land at the end of January.
The Junior Canadian Rangers, a community based program open to all youth from 12 to 18, is operated by the Canadian Rangers in partnership with their local communities. There are now 38 Junior Ranger patrols across the north with new patrols planned for Arviat, NU and Faro, YT in the near future.
