The First Nations Cadet Corps was developed in 1996 by Cst Rick Sanderson who was stationed at the Carry the Kettle First Nations with the assistance and guidance of Elder Wilma Kennedy – a retired school teacher – and Elder Andrew Ryder – a military veteran. Mainstream cadet programs (Air & Army) funded by the Department of National Defense did not meet the needs and requirements of our First Nations Youth.

Under the direction of Rick Sanderson, the program content continued to expand, and after one year had seen a decrease in Youth Crime of 31% and an increase in Academic performance of 19%. In the following years, more communities joined across Canada with instructors being trained by Rick Sanderson, which evolved into the Community Cadet Corps.

This program meets the needs sought out by our youth which include:

• Structure & Discipline
• A Sense of Belonging
• Motivation
• Recreation
• An Opportunity to Lead
• Hope and Self Worth

Rick Sanderson is now an employee of Prince Albert Grand Council and it is our intention to have him bring back the true intent of the First Nations Cadet Corps by overseeing it and training our community members to operate these corps as intended and to operate an Urban Corps within Prince Albert (Open to all youth regardless of race).
He will bring back the original corps values which include advancement (Promotions) of cadets through the program based on:

1. Attendance and Participation
2. Community Involvement Projects
3. Mentoring Of Other Cadets And Youth Not In The Program
4. Academic Performance
5. Language and Culture Program Involvement
6. Leadership Skills in Drill and Organization of Community Projects