Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

  • The Raven program combines Indigenous teachings and cultural learning with CAF training, creating a six-week experience rooted in identity, service, and personal growth.
  • 23 graduates from the 2026 platoon completed military training, field exercises, weapons handling, first aid, confidence courses, and naval experiences including a day sail.
  • An Aug 17 graduation included Lekwungen dancers, a traditional sashing ceremony, a march past, and recognition for outstanding dedication and camaraderie.

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The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Raven program returned to CFB Esquimalt this summer, running through July and August as one of five national summer programs for Indigenous peoples. Every year, Raven blends Indigenous teachings with naval-oriented military training to deliver a powerful training course for selected applicants.  

Candidates are enrolled in the CAF at the outset of the course, beginning their journey with a three-day cultural experience, where they learn traditional Indigenous values and teachings from Indigenous teachers and Elders, fostering both self-discipline and pride in Indigenous traditions within military service. From there, candidates move into Basic Military Qualification training, covering: inspections, physical training, weapons handling, map and compass navigation, first aid, drill, outdoor field craft, and a confidence-building obstacle course. They also spend a day sailing aboard an RCN ship, getting a taste of life at sea through firefighting, flood containment, and damage control training. 

A candidate from the 2026 RAVEN program prepares to fire the C7 Automatic Rifle during a PWT1 shoot on Aug 4. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging

This year’s platoon consists of 23 graduating members that also participated in a field topography phase; an educational visit to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron; a PWT 1 shoot at the Nanaimo rifle range; a day sail with the Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU); a ship tour aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver; and the program’s annual Confidence course. Whether graduates move forth to pursue a career with the CAF, Raven is designed to leave students with lasting skills, self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, time management, respect, and physical fitness, alongside the depth of an experience rooted in Indigenous culture and teachings. 

This year’s Raven members graduated on Aug 17, marking the close of another summer bridging Indigenous communities and the RCN. The ceremony included a traditional performance by Lekwungen dancers, a sashing ceremony, and a march past conducted by the graduating platoon. 

(Left) RAdm David Patchell, Cdr of MARPAC/JTFP, and (right) CPO1 Jonathon Sorensen, Formation Chief Petty Officer, congratulate graduating members of the 2026 iteration of the RAVEN program during the Aug 17 graduation ceremony. Photo: MCpl William Gosse, MARPAC Imaging

Reviewing officer Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force Pacific (MARPAC/JTFP), also conducted an inspection of the graduating platoon and addressed those gathered.  

“Raven occupies a unique place… it’s one of five summer programs, but Raven is the only program with a naval focus,” he said. “What makes Raven particularly meaningful is the way it combines military training, cultural learning, and personal growth.” 

Speaking directly to the graduates, RAdm Patchell praised their resilience through six demanding weeks of training. “You demonstrated commitment, resilience, and determination,” he said. “You should take great pride in that accomplishment.” He also reminded the graduating platoon that whatever path they choose next, the skills they built at Raven would carry forward. “Leadership, discipline, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable in every profession, and in every walk of life.” 

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Bravo Zulu to the 2026 RAVEN graduates 

  • S3 Landen Abbott
  • S3 Clara Anderson
  • S3 AbbeyAntsanen
  • S3 Renaud Belanger
  • S3 Isaac Bowman
  • S3 Jonas Bullock
  • S3 Sage-Lynn Carr
  • S3 Daylon Catcheway
  • S3 Jadienne Delorme
  • S3 Sakima Halliday
  • S3 Noah Harris
  • S3 Eric Hartwig
  • S3 Evan Maluga-Paley
  • S3 Jonah Menow Sinclair
  • Ranger April Nui
  • S3 Maddy Roy
  • S3 KlarkeShpiruk
  • S3 Lucas Slang
  • S3 Dallas Smith
  • S3 Michael Stanley
  • S3 Jocelyn Thomas
  • S3 Nicholas Vannatto
  • S3 Brandon Veilleux

Bravo Zulu to Sailor 3rd class (S3) Jadienne Delorme,  
recipient of the Outstanding Dedication Award.  

Bravo Zulu to S3 Daylon Catcheway, recipient of the  
Spirit of Camaraderie Award and the Top Candidate Award.