Summer is here and so is Raven

Sailor First Class (S1) Corwin Nemeth (left), a member of the Raven Indigenous Program’s general duties team, and S1 David Inglangasuk a weapons instructor with this year’s program. Photo: Anna Muselius, NTG Public Affairs

NTG Public Affairs 

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Summer training is about challenging yourself and making lifelong memories! Staff and instructors have been ramping up their preparations over the last few weeks to welcome this year’s Raven recruits.

Raven is one of a series of Indigenous summer programs offered across the country by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and is the only program with a naval focus. It provides Indigenous peoples an opportunity to experience military life and explore career possibilities within the CAF.

Raven 2024 officially started on July 9 and wraps up on Aug. 19 with a graduation parade at Work Point. HMCS Venture is facilitating Raven on behalf of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). One of the highlights of the summer will be a day sail on HMCS Regina in August.

Captain Joel Unruh is the officer in charge of Raven and is supported by Sergeant (Sgt) Scott Hennessey along with instructors and staff from across the CAF who come from a diverse set of backgrounds. Sgt Hennessey is an Army reservist whose family comes from the Songhees Nation and considers Victoria home.

“I want to ensure that people know it’s okay to be proud of who they are, and that they will be safe and accepted,” says Sgt Hennessey. “I wish I had known about the Raven program when I enrolled in the CAF. It would have been a great way to kick start my personal and professional journey.”

During the first few days of Raven, recruits participate in a cultural experience that takes place away from the Base and is lead by Elders of various First Nations, Inuit, and Métis backgrounds. Recruits then return to begin a full schedule of military training over the next six weeks.

A Basic Military Qualification is awarded upon successful completion of Raven and graduates are eligible for part-time or full-time employment with the Canadian Armed Forces, though there is no obligation to continue.

“Stay consistent, open-minded and ready to learn,” advises Sailor 1st Class (S1) David Inglangasuk. He is Raven’s weapons instructor who grew up in Inuvik, N.W.T., and belongs to the Inuvialuit people of the northwest Arctic.

S1 Inglangasuk says Raven built his confidence and gave him more drive and discipline. Upon graduating from Raven in 2017, he is now a Boatswain in the RCN.

“Basic training is not a solo challenge,” says S1 Corwin Nemeth, who is spending the summer as part of the Raven general duties team and is a full-time Marine Technician with HMCS Ottawa.

S1 Nemeth was born and raised in British Columbia and has mixed Cree and Métis heritage with the Métis members of his family coming from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba.

“Lean on your wingers, be patient when you can with people who are learning and take the time to help out someone who’s struggling because at some point you will be in their shoes,” says S1 Nemeth. “And remember to laugh, never give up, and have some fun.”