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Distributed for University of British Columbia Press

The Canadian Rangers

A Living History

The Canadian Rangers stand sentinel in the farthest reaches of our country. For more than six decades, this dedicated group of citizen-soldiers has quietly served as Canada’s eyes, ears, and voice in isolated coastal and northern communities. Drawing on official records, interviews, and participation in Ranger exercises, Lackenbauer argues that the organization offers an inexpensive way for Canada to “show the flag” from coast to coast to coast. The Rangers have also laid the foundation for a successful partnership between the modern state and Aboriginal peoples, a partnership rooted in local knowledge and crosscultural understanding.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, 1942-45

2 Setting the Stage, 1946-47

3 “Teething Troubles,” 1947-49

4 Formative Years, 1950-52

5 Exercising the Rangers, 1952-56

6 Shadow Army, 1957-70

7 Sovereignty and Symbolism, 1970-84

8 “The Most Cost-Efficient Program in the Canadian Forces,” 1985-93

9 Enhancement and the Junior Canadian Rangers, 1994-99

10 “Very Special Forces,” 2000-06

11 Sovereignty, Security, and Stewardship

Notes; Bibliography; Index

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