Rangers make history at Aboriginal festival

A female Canadian Ranger and four Junior Canadian Rangers, all from Moose Factory, made history when they participated in the annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival.
Corp. Kim Cheena became the first female flag carrier in the 17-year history of the event’s powwow. She carried the Canadian Ranger flag during the spectacular Grand Entry.
The Grand Entry featured hundreds of dancers in traditional regalia, who entered the arena to the beat of Aboriginal drums.
The large Canadian Forces Aboriginal contingent, which included four Junior Canadian Rangers in traditional Cree regalia, led the Grand Entry and danced to thunderous applause.
Powwow officials had to make a decision about whether Cheena could be a flag carrier, a position that has special significance in Aboriginal culture and one traditionally reserved for male warriors.
They decided it was appropriate for a female soldier to carry a military flag at the event.
The festival, held over three days in Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum, attracted hundreds of dancers and thousands of spectators and is the largest celebration of Aboriginal culture in Canada.
“I was nervous when they started drumming for the Grand Entry,” said Cheena.
“It gave me goose bumps. But it made me proud to be carrying the Canadian Rangers’ flag.”
History was also made when the four Junior Rangers danced as part of the military contingent during the Grand Entry.
It was the first time Junior Rangers have participated in the festival. The dancers were Demi Cheechoo, 14, Darien Chum, 16, Skye Chum, 16, and Lora-Lee Hester. 16.
“Yes, I was nervous,” said Skye Chum. “But I love dancing and it was fun.
“It was the biggest powwow and the biggest Grand Entry I’ve been in. Everyone was very nice to us.”
A fifth dancer from Moose Factory who was unable to dance at the last moment, Xena Echum, 13, helped escort children around a junior obstacle course that was part of the Canadian Forces exhibit at the festival.
“She did a good job,” said Capt. Rick Morse, unit information officer for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which commands the 500 Rangers in Northern Ontario.
“There was a lot of interest in the Ranger exhibit. We had people sitting on the snowmobile and ATV, going in the tent and asking a lot of questions.”
The Ranger exhibit was staffed by Warrant Officer Jason Dech, a Ranger instructor; Master Corporals Vicky Edwards of Fort Albany, Ryan Kaminawash of Sachigo Lake, and Savannah Neotapin of Constance Lake; and Rangers Beatrice Eechum-Cheena of Moose Factory and Daniel (D.J.) Wesley of Constance Lake.
Sgt. Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at Canadian Forces Base Borden. See www.canadianrangers.ca.