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ALOY Cadets visit the national capital – some for the first time
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Return ski trip to Calabogie Peaks Resort
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ALOY Service to Canada PD Trip – Ottawa
The Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year trip to Ottawa was very beneficial to our knowledge of the Canadian Forces. Many of the ALOY Officer Cadets were very enthusiastic with the idea of seeing the national capital for the first time.
Our visit to the Canadian War Museum was by all accounts a great success. OCdt Johnston said “It was very interesting to have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Canadian Military”, and the remainder of the ALOY cadets share this sentiment. Multiple moments of this tour were especially appreciated such as the opportunity to have access to stored collections, the restoration garage where tanks were rebuilt, and to have a guided tour which made us quickly realize a piece of the terrible reality experienced in a First World War trench.
Also, the guided tour of Parliament made a strong impression upon the ALOY cadets. This prestigious location is undoubtedly the central institution of legislative power in Canada. The cadets among us who are passionate about the monarchy and politics had the opportunity to see the beautiful portraits of Prime Ministers and royalty that decorate the corridors. It was very interesting as well to ascend to the top of the Peace Tower to view the city of Ottawa from this height. However, the moment that was the most striking was the Memorial Chamber where the Books of Remembrance are kept. Entering this room enabled us to experience the real sacrifice of our brothers in arms, and to pay homage to them. Finding ourselves in this memorial as members of the Canadian Forces summoned a great feeling of pride and gratitude for soldiers who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In conclusion, each ALOY cadet appreciated and enjoyed thoroughly this weekend activity.
OCdt Bonhomme E8073
PILA: La journée de service au Canada 2015
Cette journée fut très enrichissante de connaissances pour notre culture. Quelques-uns des élof étaient enthousiasmés à l’idée de voir la capitale nationale pour la première fois.
Notre visite au musée canadien de la guerre s’est avéré un franc succès. Selon l’élof Jonhston, il a été fort intéressant d’en apprendre d’avantage sur l’histoire militaire canadienne, un sentiment partagé par la majorité d’entre nous. Plusieurs moments de ce tour ont été grandement appréciés tel que : l’opportunité d’avoir accès aux collections en stockage, la salle d’exposition remplie de char d’assaut en a ravi plus d’un, et le tour guidé a su nous faire réaliser en un court instant une parcelle de la réalité vécue dans une tranché à l’époque de la Première Guerre mondiale.
En plus, la visite guidée du Parlement fut très impressionnante. Ce lieu de prestige est tout de même l’institution centrale du pouvoir législatif du Canada. Les passionnés de monarchie et d’acteurs politiques ont eu la chance de voir les magnifiques portraits qui ornent les corridors. Ce fut très plaisant de se rendent en haut de la tour de la paix afin de contempler le panorama. Mais le moment le plus marquant fut la chapelle du souvenir, l’accès à ce lieu sacré a permis de mettre en évidence le sacrifice réel de nos frères d’arme et de leurs rendent hommage. De se retrouver dans le mémorial en tant que membre des Forces Canadiennes a suscité un grand sentiment de fierté et de gratitude.
Chaque personne dans PILA a aimé et apprécié cette activité.
Elof Bonhomme E8073
ALOY Calabogie Peaks Ski Trip
8 February 2015 was the annual ALOY ski trip to Calabogie Peaks Resort.
It was a military appreciation day, so the staff and cadets received a wonderful free day on the slopes. The bus left Fort Brant at 0730 and arrived around 1000 at the resort. The first thing noticed by all was the spectacular scenery. The resort was busy with people in high spirits, and the alpine looking colossal.
The staff present was more than helpful and friendly to our large eager group. After getting all kit organized and everyone suited up, we hit the slopes. The rookies headed to the bunny hill, and the experienced hit up one of the two towering chair lifts.
Over 3/4 of the group weren’t familiar with skiing or snowboarding, but by the end of the day everyone seemed to be naturals. The fresh powder, cool winter breeze, and the gentle falling snowflakes made for excellent ski conditions. From falling over, hitting jumps, or just cruising the way down, all cadets and staff found their own individual groove. From the start of the day to the end, we went from looking like newbies, to actually looking like we knew what we were doing.
The fun, challenging and adrenaline filled sport has made many of us want to head back to Calabogie and practice our new exhilarating hobby.
– OCdt Michaela Rudderham E8082