Seven of the twelve students registered to take part in the BMQ Co-op Education program at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation were sworn in at a ceremony surrounded by loved ones, and community and military leaders at the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex near Duck Lake, Sask. on January 30, 2017. Photo Canadian Forces Public Affairs

Twelve youth from the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation participated in an inaugural swearing-in ceremony – the final step to join the Canadian Armed Forces. The students from the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex (CRCEC) and Stobart Community High School are the first participants in this new basic military qualification co-op education program – a program that allows students to attend school in the mornings and attend Canadian Armed Forces training in the afternoons.

The 38 Canadian Brigade Group’s (CBG) inaugural Indigenous Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) Co-op swearing-in ceremony took place at the First Nation’s high school on January 30^th with senior members of the 38 CBG and proud community members in attendance.

“It’s incredible that youth from our community will be participating in the Military Co-op Program from both the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex and Stobart Community School” says Beardy’s Councillor Kevin Seesequasis on the community’s website. “These young individuals are gaining employment while continuing their education, they will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and have joined the ranks of a long list of honourable warriors who have worn the uniform proudly and served in the Canadian Forces from the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation.”

Pte. Dean Daniels, a CRCEC Grade 12 student, is following the footsteps of his late grandfather Vincent Gamble, a veteran who passed away in 2014 and who had a deep impact in his life.

“He was willing to go fight for his home,” says Daniels. “He still went out and risked his life for his home. I really respected him for that.”

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Daniels felt waves of happiness and pride at the swearing-in ceremony and he hopes to continue on this path by entering into Special Forces once he completes high school.

“I felt really happy. I felt like I made my grandfather proud. My family kept telling me how [my grandfather] would be proud of me,” Daniels adds.

Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation is a community that honours their past and former veterans. The 12 Privates will continue a proud tradition of service and carry on the legacy of their fallen soldiers.

“We are incredibly proud of them and wish them success in this new endeavor,” says Seesequasis.

Private Dean Daniels and his mother Kim after the swearing in ceremony. Photo by Milton Gamble

The youth will be trained with the North Saskatchewan Regiment and the Service Battalion.

Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation is 92 kilometres north of Saskatoon.