By LCdr Anna Kocot, OSM, CD,
Executive Officer of HMCS Tecumseh, Staff Officer Administration for Naval Reserve Western Region, and RAUSI Director
HMCS Tecumseh has had a busy and productive training year, including various training events on the coast and many Diversity and Inclusion activities. The fall was busy with various training exercises including Range Exercises, Fire and Damage Control training, a Western Region Small Boat Exercise (led by HMCS Tecumseh and pictured below), and Navigation and Bridge Simulation Training among others.
In honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Tecumseh DICAT (Diversity and Inclusion Command Advisory Team) kicked of September by organizing a presentation by 2 Indigenous Community leaders who provided first-hand accounts of their personal experiences in the Residential School program, in addition to unique cultural perspectives. The powerful presentation was exceptionally well received by the Ship’s Company.
Tecumseh’s tempo continued after the Holidays, with a busy January to March, marked once again by several out of unit training exercises, including among other events, two more Small Boat Exercises in Vancouver, a Western Region Logistics training weekend.
In honour of February being Black History Month, the Tecumseh DICAT organized an outstanding event which included a fashion show, cultural food, and a panel discussion consisting of various prominent members of the Black Community, including Cdr Paul Smith, the first Black Commanding Officer of a Royal Canadian Navy ship. Each panelist shared their lived experience, some having grown up in Canada, and some having moved here as adults. Their stories provided important insight and understanding into some of the challenges faced by Black individuals.
Early March also marked International Women’s Day, and to celebrate this event, Tecumseh welcomed the Calgary Women’s Immigrant Association (CIWA) as part of the Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series. Through this event, members of Tecumseh were able to gain insight into the work done by CIWA in helping immigrant women, girls, and their families through the challenges they face as newcomers to Canada.
Not only has Tecumseh been very active and engaged in the Culture Change initiative and Diversity and Inclusion events, as well as many local and coastal training events here at home, since last April, Tecumseh has generated 9 different members to participate in a total of 9 named operations both domestically and abroad. These included Operations CARRIBE, ARTEMIS, VECTOR, LENTUS, UNIFIER, KOBOLD, IMPACT, and FOUNDATION.
As summer slowly approaches, members of Tecumseh continue to remain engaged, with many heading out for courses and summer contracts in the coming months.