RMR Members Help Celebrate 25 Years of the Junior Canadian Rangers
Westmount, Quebec – 18 January 2025: From January 11-14, 2024, the Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) program marked its 25th anniversary with a series of commemorative events involving Junior Rangers, Canadian Rangers, and dignitaries from across the country. This milestone celebration highlighted the vital role the JCR program has played in fostering leadership, citizenship, and community engagement among youth in remote and isolated communities.
The Junior Canadian Rangers program was established in 1998 as an initiative to provide young people aged 12 to 18 with opportunities to develop practical skills and enhance their knowledge of traditional and modern life in northern and remote areas. Operating under the Canadian Rangers, a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, the JCR program focuses on leadership, outdoor survival, first aid, and cultural education, ensuring participants build a strong sense of identity and community.
The 25th-anniversary events brought together participants and supporters to celebrate the program’s enduring legacy. Activities included outdoor demonstrations, cultural showcases, and speeches from notable dignitaries who commended the achievements of the JCR program. Attendees shared stories of resilience, skill-building, and the positive impact the program has had on participants and their communities.
Many RMR officers and NCO’s have served in the Canadian Rangers over the past decades. The Canadian Rangers serve as mentors to the Junior Rangers, and were instrumental in organizing and leading many of the celebratory activities. Known for their presence in some of the most remote regions of Canada, the Canadian Rangers are a vital part of the Canadian Armed Forces, providing support for sovereignty operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster response.
The anniversary celebration underscored the unique partnership between the Junior Canadian Rangers and their mentors, highlighting the shared commitment to preserving local traditions while equipping youth with the tools they need for future success. Over the past 25 years, the program has grown significantly, now encompassing more than 4,000 Junior Canadian Rangers in over 135 communities.
