Junior Canadian Rangers Dance with Rangers
at Pow Wow
By Sgt. Peter Moon
Five Junior Canadian Rangers and two Canadian Rangers from the James Bay coast of northern Ontario stood out in the large Canadian Forces contingent that led off the Grand Entry of veterans and dancers in the pow wow at the annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival.
The Junior Rangers and Rangers wore colourful traditional regalia and danced as the military contingent led hundreds of dancers onto the arena floor in Toronto.
The Junior Rangers came from Moose Factory and Kashechewan and they stood out amongst the military uniforms. "People were taking pictures of me and asking me where I'm from," said Darien Chum, 15. "I told them I'm from Moose Factory and I'm a Junior Canadian Ranger. I've liked dancing here, because it brings out who I am. I'm dancing for my people, my family, the people of Moose Factory, and for the Junior Canadian Rangers."
Part of the regalia of MCpl. Redfern Wesley, a Cree from Kashechewan, surprised some of the troops. "They were shocked when they saw I was wearing my combat pants instead of traditional leggings," he said. "But when I explained I was wearing them because I'm a Canadian Ranger they understood. I want people to know I am a Canadian Ranger."
The Canadian Rangers also had a display of some of the equipment they use in the Far North of Ontario, including a tent, snowmobile and an all-terrain vehicle. It was part of a large Canadian Forces exhibit showcasing different elements of Canada's military and the career opportunities available to Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian Forces.
"The Canadian Rangers' contribution to the Grand Entry was outstanding," said Capt. Ben Lee, who helped organize the military display. "The Canadian Rangers are a huge part of the aboriginal contibution to the Canadian Forces and that is something we absolutely want to convey here at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. We want to show visitors how important aboriginal contributions to the Canadian Forces have been and continue to be."
The Junior Canadian Ranger dancers were Demi Cheechoo, 15, Darien Chum, 15, Xena Echum, 14, and Lora-Lee Hester,17, all of Moose Factory, and Donna Nakogee, 17, of Kashechewan. Their escorts were Master Corporal Kim Cheena of Moose Factory and Ranger Albina Nakogee of Kashechewan. The second Canadian Ranger dancer was Master Corporal Jason Mawakeesick of Sandy Lake.
(Sergeant Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at Canadian Forces Base Borden.)
