Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program takes flight

November 7, 2024 in News
Explorer: Fall 2024

A new and exciting opportunity has launched in northern Saskatchewan to help Indigenous students become commercial pilots. The Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program aims to provide Indigenous students with the skills needed to succeed in the aviation industry.

The Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program has garnered significant support from various entities. Rise Air is investing $690,000, PAGC is contributing $315,000, and the northern Saskatchewan mining companies Cameco, Orano Canada, and SSR Mining are collectively investing $300,000. The federal and provincial governments are also backing this initiative with over $1 million in funding through PrairiesCan ($631,500) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training ($375,000). This substantial financial backing will cover the comprehensive training costs, including tuition, flight hours, and resources.

The Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program is not just about flight training. It’s a comprehensive initiative that covers not only the technical aspects but also the universal needs of the students, ensuring their well-being and success. The program ensures northern students can focus on their studies without worrying about living expenses, covering accommodation, transportation to and from class, and travel back to their home communities for cultural events. With the support of the Athabasca communities through Ya’ thi Néné and PAGC, the program provides more than just an education. It offers wellness support and cultural guidance from Knowledge Keepers and Elders. With mentorship and mental health support services, this holistic approach acknowledges the unique challenges of being away from home.

“I hear a lot of youth applying and saying they’re excited,” said Coreen Sayazie, Chief of Black Lake First Nation. “[They’re saying] that this is something they’ve always wanted.”

The program will begin in fall 2024 with a pre-education program to prepare all the participants for success. For this first cohort, fifteen students have been accepted into the pre-education program, and 10 will be selected to start aviation ground school in January 2025.

This training will open up new career opportunities in an industry where Indigenous people have been traditionally underrepresented. “This program isn’t just about training pilots;

it’s about helping Indigenous communities grow by offering opportunities and support,” said Brian Hardlotte, Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council. “It gives our young people a chance to lead, succeed, and feel proud of who they are.”

The training program was conceptualized in 2018 by Tracy Young-McLean, Rise Air’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. It will be delivered by Rise Air and the Mitchinson Flight Centre in Saskatoon. For Rise Air, one of Canada’s largest independent air operators, this program is a way to give back to the communities and grow capacity. Students will be trained and will learn from experienced instructors using state-of-the-art technology. “We’re excited to launch a program that can make a real difference,” said Derek Nice, President and CEO of Rise Air. “Aviation is important in the north, and we want to ensure Indigenous people are part of it.”

What started as an idea over six years ago was met with enthusiasm this summer, with 106 applicants after the launch of the application phase of the program. Fifteen students will take the pre-education, and 10 will move on through the training program. The students who graduate from the program in June 2026 will have secured their private and commercial pilot licenses and additional ratings required to become First Officers at Rise Air.

“We’re so proud of this program,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte. “We can’t wait to see our young people soar.”

“I want to see the day when they land in our communities,” said Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, originally from Hatchet Lake First Nation and board member for Rise Air. “I told the Elders here that we’re playing the drums when those young Dene pilots land. The drums have to be there to celebrate the success.”