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Cpl Nigel Nakogee of Attawapiskat went to Latvia in support of Operation Reassurance
Cpl Nigel Nakogee of Attawapiskat has returned to Timmins following a six-month deployment to Latvia, the Canadian Armed Forces announced March 6. The aim of NATO Operation Reassurance is to deter Russia from invading Baltic countries. SUPPLIED/CAF
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Cpl Nigel Nakogee of Attawapiskat returned to Timmins in December following a six-month deployment to Latvia, the Canadian Armed Forces announced on Friday.
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There are approximately 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members currently deployed in Latvia in support of Operation Reassurance, a multinational NATO brigade which aims to deter Russia from invading Baltic countries.
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It is Canada’s largest overseas mission. Currently authorized to end this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in August, 2025 that he will extend the mission until 2029.
While overseas, Nakogee supported 2 Service Battalion within a multinational logistics unit based in Ādaži.
The unit is responsible for providing service support to the troops in Latvia. They provide food, fuel, ammunition, minor construction tasks, driving services, and mechanics to repair and maintain the fleet of combat vehicles.
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Whenever a member is selected for overseas deployment, they are matched to the needs of the mission at the time, said Andrew McLaughlin, spokesperson for the 33 Canadian brigade group.
During training exercises, he helped maintain high combat readiness in support of infantry and armoured operations, providing security for vehicle maintenance activities.
Cpl Nakogee has four years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, as a former infanteer with the Algonquin Regiment in Timmins.
“He joined to serve his country and chose the infantry for its versatility and the skills developed through training,” read a press release from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Cpl Nigel Nakogee of Attawapiskat is seen leading a smudging ceremony in Latvia for Canadian members of 2 Service Batallion, posted there as part of Operation Reassurance to provide supplies and support to NATO troops. Nakogee is a former infanteer with the Algonquin Regiment in Timmins, who has recently returned from a six-month deployment overseas. SUPPLIED/CAF jpg, TD, apsmc
Nakogee frequently represents the Canadian Armed Forces’ Indigenous community at various events, and led a traditional smudging ceremony while overseas.
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“The best part about being an infanteer is being physically active outdoors and meeting a wide variety of people,” he said in a statement.
“Deploying overseas and seeing the world has been an incredible experience,” he said in a statement.
In civilian life, Nakogee works in security and where he says he applies the discipline he learned through military service.
A proud member of the Cree First Nation community, he enjoys hunting, fishing and camping, and shares outdoor skills with family and with Junior Canadian Rangers in Attawapiskat.
His advice to anyone considering joining the CAF is “Just do it. It’s an experience worth living that you’ll never forget.”
The Algonquin Regiment in Timmins is part of the Army Reserve, offering part-time service with opportunities for leadership development, domestic operations and international deployments.
For more information visit: “The Algonquin Regiment” at canada.ca
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