ALERT BAY – Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) rallied in Alert Bay Feb. 25 to 27 for a Field Training Exercise (FTX).
The JCR transited from Ucluelet and Port McNeill to attend the FTX. Prior to arriving on Cormorant Island they attended at movie and dinner in Port McNeill and marched to the ferry terminal. Everyone met at Lams Recreation Centre in Alert Bay and set up their beds for the night.
There were 49 Jr. Canadian Rangers, 16 chaperones and one staff member, Sergeant Ray Hockey at the event. All the meals were prepared by Tina Jones and Rachel Fulmore.
Saturday the main day of the event, was very busy. The youth attended various sessions during the day such as traditional weaving with Donna Cranmer and Anthony Hunt, a museum tour at the U'Mista Cultural Centre, a hike to Alert Bay Ecological Park, and bowling. Some of the JCR learned about traditional preparation for barbecuing sockeye salmon with Marvin Jones and Ranger Jake Smith before dinner. The salmon was then served as part of dinner.
After dinner the youth walked to the Big House. The Tsasala Cultural Dance Troupe presented various traditional dances. Vera Newman, Andrea Cranmer and Noreen Smith shared information regarding the native dance. The day ended with 'story telling with Vera Newman.
The exercise was an opportunity for the patrols from different districts to meet one another and train to be better Jr. Canadian Rangers. The youth went away from this event with more knowledge, respect and understanding of Native Traditional Culture.