WIIKWEMKOONG—A large troupe of youth in military garb marched into the dance arena during the Saturday grand entry at the Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival (aka the Wiiky powwow). The nascent soldiers are participants in the Canadian Armed Forces Grey Wolf program.
This unique military training program combines Indigenous culture and teachings with military training that will help participants “develop valuable skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect and fitness.”
Participants train in Meaford, where Wiikwemkoong Elder Raymond Jackson helps impart language and traditional knowledge that lays the foundation of the program.
Troupe commander Major Simon Hassendhof explained that the Grey Wolf program focuses on Ontario Indigenous people. “It is designed so that each region of Canada has a program customized to their region, Mohawk, Anishnaabe, Inuit, it doesn’t matter what you identify as, Metis whatever, you are welcome in the program,” said the major. “In the Maritimes you have Black Bear, in Western Canada you have Bold Eagle and then Canadian Navy also has one out of Western Canada called Raven. At Royal Military College in Kingston there is Indigenous Leadership Opportunity for those interested in becoming officers—there is a bunch of different options.” The major noted that there are a number of other programs aimed at encouraging recruitment of Indigenous peoples. “Of course, they can always join the Canadian Armed Forces through the regular stream as well,” he said.
There are four Wiikwemkoong band members who are part of the Grey Wolf team.
The eight- week program is conducted from early July to late August each year. During this time, participants are enrolled as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Upon completion of the training program, participants continue to serve at an army reserve unit on a part-time or full-time basis. They may also transfer into the regular force.
During the periods of training, the Grey Wolf Program provides trainees with meals and accommodation; military clothing and equipment to use during the training; transportation from home to the training location and back home; and approximately $6,000 in salary.
Grey Wolf, as an established military training program, may help participants be eligible for career experience credits through the provincial education system. But it is the participant’s responsibility to arrange it through their school’s guidance counsellor before starting the program.
To be eligible for the program an applicant must be a self-declared First Nation, Métis or Inuit individual; be 16 years of age or older; have completed Grade 10; and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Those under 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian, be at least 16 and enrolled in school full-time. If not a full-time student, an applicant must be at least 17.
The admission process includes a medical examination, a reliability check and an in-person meeting.
Once enrolled in the program, the first week of Grey Wolf involves a Culture Camp, where participants learn traditional Indigenous values and teachings as demonstrated by Indigenous elders or teachers (this is where Mr. Jackson comes in). This first part helps candidates understand the need for self-discipline and teamwork and instills pride and the sense of continuing the Indigenous tradition of military service.
At the end of the first week, participants continue their military training with military instructors. The course itself is the standard five-week Army Reserve Basic Military Qualification (BMQ). During the BMQ course participants learn several skills, including weapons handling, navigation with a map and compass, first aid, drill, outdoor field craft and survival skills.
Once BMQ is competed, participants go on to the experiential portion which is unique to Grey Wolf. Here they are able to participate on a military training exercise and will gain additional survival skills and training with the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in a local powwow and attend an organized career day that will introduce them to the education and career options in the CAF.
In addition to the comprehensive and extremely demanding training, there are regular elder hours throughout and a mid-course sweat in the sweat lodge.
At the end of the program, they will be congratulated on their success with a graduation ceremony that encompasses military protocol with Indigenous customs. Grey Wolf recruits are enrolled in the Primary Reserve at the beginning of the course. That means that they can continue their service in the home reserve unit, should they choose to do so, or transfer to a regular force unit.
To learn more about the program, or to invite a coordinator to come and give a presentation in your community contact GreyWolf@forces.gc.ca or phone 416-633-6200 extension 5524 or 5120.
