Bold Eagle is a youth development program organized by the Canadian Army, exclusively dedicated to Indigenous youth in Canada. It takes place in Alberta, at the Wainwright Training Center. Created in 1989, this program combines military instruction with Indigenous cultural teachings. The volunteer young Indigenous individuals, who are carefully selected beforehand, receive the basic training of a Canadian reservist over six weeks during the summer. On average, they are 17 years old.
This year, 82 participants graduated. They are guided by military instructors and Indigenous elders. The first week is dedicated to Indigenous culture, with various traditional activities organized. The following five weeks provide military training. The young participants say they are looking for a new experience and a chance to learn discipline through Bold Eagle. Some hope to join the military after completing the summer camp.
This photographic work was shot in 2016 and published in the print edition of Vice magazine the same year.