Below are ways the 2nd Canadian Rangers Patrol Group can support and improve the social sustainability of Northern Quebec. First, implementing social programs for their community. Also, how the Junior Canadian Rangers are a positive and educational program for a younger population. Finally, the Rangers being the bridge between local communities and federal government.
Social Programs
The Canadian Rangers can be effective in planning and implementing social programs. There is an ongoing debate of whether an entity of the Canadian Armed Forces should take a social role (Lackenbauer, et al., 2013). Given that the Rangers exclusively work within Canada and are ingrained in their communities, they are in a unique position to be leaders. One of the most successful programs is the Junior Canadian Rangers, where I go into detail below.
Community Outreach
​For the Canadian Rangers to succeed there needs to be a “practical partnership, rooted in traditional knowledge and skill, promote cooperation, and communal and individual empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding” (Lackenbauer, et al., 2013, p. 1). This means Canadian Rangers incorporates military strategies and equipment with traditional knowledge and skills. Within their community, the Rangers rely on community members for guidance, and are part of community building (Abel, 2014). As part of their service, they are responsible for maintaining a Canadian Forces presence in local communities, and assisting with domestic military operations (Lackenbauer, et al., 2013). It is the distinctive role of the Canadian Rangers that characterizes them as leaders in their community.
Younger Population
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In Canada, the Aboriginal population of individuals under 25 years old represents 46% of the population, compared to 29% in the non-Aboriginal population (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 2011). By 2036, it is estimated that there will be an upward of 2.5 million Aboriginal persons (Statistics Canada, 2016). Specifically in Quebec, one in ten Aboriginal people live in the province (Statistics Canada, 2011). Furthermore, in Quebec the median age of First Nations people was 31.3, compared to the non-Aboriginal population of 41.3 (Statistics Canada, 2011). This disparity means the needs of Aboriginal people are different. The Canadian Rangers can assist in meeting the health, social, and economical needs of a younger population.
Education and Training
The Canadian Rangers can help in providing guidance for the younger group. The Junior Canadian Ranger gives a program for young people to contribute to their community, connect with peers, and be a role model for the younger children (Government of Canada, 2014). The program provides structure in teaching Ranger, traditional, and life skills – otherwise known as the three circles of learning (Government of Canada, 2014). Under the guidance of instructors Junior Rangers are taught navigation, firearms safety, and camping skills. The traditional skills are dependent on each community, but are all taught by elders and skilled adults. Lastly, life skills give Junior Rangers health and civic lessons, particulary PHASE (Preventing Harassment and Abuse through Successful Education) (Government of Canada, 2014). It is a possible career option, or a way to explore other careers within the province or country (Government of Canada, 2014).
Above: Junior Canadian Rangers; Below: Junior Rangers participating in PHASE (Junior Canadian Rangers, 2016)
2 CRPG pose with their accolades from 2016 Canadian Forces Small Arms Concentration event (Nunatsiaq Online, 2016)
Above: Comparing the population pyramid of non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal population in 2011 (Indigenous and Norther Affairs, 2011); Below: Junior Ranger welcomes 2CRPG (Nunatsiaq Online, 2017)
