Mountain bike course opens new trails for Arctic Bay cadet

For army cadet Elijah Paniaq-Kunuk, attending a cadet training centre this summer was an opportunity to learn new mountain biking skills, make new friends and bring valuable knowledge back to his home corps.

Paniaq-Kunuk is a member of 3045 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Arctic Bay, one of only four cadet corps in Nunavut.

This summer, he participated in the two-week mountain bike instructor course at Blackdown Cadet Training Centre, located at Canadian Forces Base Borden in Ontario. It ended last Friday.

“I came here to learn about trail riding and how to repair bikes,” said Paniaq-Kunuk. “We learned how to fix bikes and identify the different parts of a bike.”

He also noted that during the course he made many new friends who share his interest in mountain biking.

Paniaq-Kunuk has been a cadet for four years and said he joined because of his best friend.

A sergeant with 3045 RCACC, Paniaq-Kunuk is actively involved in several activities, including the corps’ marksmanship, drill, and biathlon teams.

He enjoys helping other cadets and joins in the many extracurricular activities to be the best he can.

Reflecting on his plans after the course, Paniaq-Kunuk said, “When I get home, I will hike, bike and hunt.”

As cadets return home from summer training, they take the knowledge and leadership experience learned with them. This benefits their home corps and squadrons, as well as their communities.

Flight Sgt. Mylah Williams is a cadet correspondent with Blackdown Cadet Training Centre this summer.