JCR Partners

The Junior Canadian Ranger Programme is a joint venture between the Department of National Defence (DND) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). This program also relies heavily on the interest and support of other informal partners, including provincial, territorial and regional government offices and Aboriginal interest groups and organizations, and local community and band councils.

Department of National Defence / Canadian Forces

DND provides the structure, personnel and uniforms for the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme. Training expertise (Ranger Instructors), supervision, funding, uniforms and training aids all come from the Canadian Forces.

The Canadian Forces takes its responsibility for the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme seriously. This interest is revealed in annual visits (inspections) to the Junior Canadian Ranger patrols, training courses for the Ranger instructors, and frequent communication with the Adult Committees and Canadian Ranger Patrol Group staff.

The Canadian Forces also oversees the Canadian Rangers, without whom the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme could not exist. The close affiliation between the two organizations means that a Junior Canadian Ranger patrol can only be established in a community where a Canadian Ranger patrol already exists.

Canadian Rangers’ responsibility for the youth program is substantial and includes:

• providing a leader for the Junior Canadian Ranger patrol
• teaching the Ranger Skills portion of the training syllabus
• providing qualified adult supervisors (Rangers) for Junior Canadian Ranger activities
• assisting the Adult Committee with its responsibilities
• liaising with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group staff
• other as required

Canadian Rangers are role models for the younger members. Not only do they provide the initial introduction to the traditions and customs of the Canadian Forces, they teach the Junior Canadian Rangers to show their pride by taking care of their uniforms and equipment, acting maturely at all times and setting an example for other youth in the community. Many Junior Canadian Rangers look up to these adult leaders and aspire to join their ranks upon coming of age.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) also provides financial support for the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). This additional funding allows Junior Canadian Rangers to take advantage of unique opportunities and activities, such as participation in the Youth 2000 Jeunesse Symposium.