White Bear First Nation will have a stellar cadet corps in the near future, if all goes according to plan.

Constable Calvin Bear and youth worker Jarrett Parker of Carlyle successfully completed a training course in the instruction of cadet corps at the RCMP Training Academy on May 6 and 7. The next step is to involve the community of White Bear First Nation in establishing a corps.

First Nations Cadets Corps is similar to army or air cadets in that it provides members a chance to participate and develop new skills such as marching and self-defence. It was created by Const. Rick Sanderson at the Carry the Kettle First Nation and is also running in Balcarres and Stanley Mission. Community and RCMP members assist with the program by providing instruction and information to the cadets.

"The information will be presented to the school and community and hopefully we can gain interest to start a cadet corps," said Parker. "The cadet corps builds self-esteem and growth through job-shadowing, career information, and through a number of sports. Firearm safety and marching are taught and competitions are held against different corps. There is also travel and camping."

Bear and Parker are enthusiastic about the training they did, which involved more than 60 young people and 28 instructors from across the province.

"I enjoy working with kids," said Bear. "I'm excited to have an opportunity to work with local aboriginal youth."

The new instructors hope to have the program up and running in September. They plan to raise funds within the community for equipment and start-up costs, after which the corps is expected to generate its own revenue.