Rooted in the North, Theresa Dufresne’s Journey in Aviation 

April 8, 2026 in People
Explorer: Spring 2026

 Theresa Dufresne still remembers the call that changed her life. She just finished school in La Ronge when her cousin phoned from Stony Rapids. There was a job opening at West Wind Aviation, a predecessor of today’s Rise Air. Could she be at the airport in 30 minutes for an interview? She said yes. That was in 2011. She’s been there ever since. 

Today, Theresa serves as Assistant General Manager for Snowbird Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Rise Air. Her journey began at the front counter as a check-in agent. From those early days, she learned almost every aspect of ground operations. Theresa stepped into a supervisory role when West Wind merged with Transwest Air, then became Base Manager in La Ronge after ground operations transitioned to Snowbird Aviation Services. 

Snowbird Aviation Services manages ground operations across Rise Air’s northern network. While Rise Air manages flight operations and network planning, Snowbird teams handle ramp services, ground handling, and frontline operational support. In short, when the plane lands, Snowbird is there. This integrated structure is essential in Northern Saskatchewan, where aviation is critical infrastructure and communities depend on safe, reliable service. 

In her role as Assistant GM, Theresa now supports bases in La Ronge, Prince Albert, Buffalo Narrows, Stony Rapids, Fond du Lac and Wollaston Lake. No two days are the same. Weather delays, equipment issues and staffing challenges are part of the job. She has even stepped in as Acting General Manager when needed. Through it all, her focus remains steady: supporting her teams and keeping communities connected. For Theresa, “Leadership in aviation is about showing up consistently, for your teams, your partners, and the communities you serve.” 

Theresa’s connection to the North runs deep. A member of the Little Red River Cree Nation, Alberta, she was born in Edmonton, but her mother grew up in Camsell Portage and Uranium City. Theresa’s summers were spent visiting family in La Ronge before her family moved north for good. She has now lived in La Ronge for 25 years. 

One of the most meaningful moments of her career was travelling to Camsell Portage last year. “The emotions I felt just being there, standing on the beach where my mom once played, were overwhelming,” says Theresa. She also notes that meeting relatives she had never known was emotional and grounding. It reminded her why her work matters. 

“I want to continue learning how I, and our company, can contribute to better opportunities for our northern bases,” she says. She takes pride in fully staffing the Wollaston and Fond du Lac bases with local  community members. Creating local employment and welcoming northern residents into aviation careers is important to her. “Giving northern residents the opportunity to work with us and bring their knowledge to the company is something I will always welcome with open arms. I want to create an environment where everybody feels supported,” she says. 

Theresa describes herself as eager to continue growing in her role and ready for more responsibility. She does not believe she has reached the top of her career ladder at Snowbird or in the aviation industry. Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, honesty and transparency. Theresa says, “Maintaining the respect of our employees and ensuring they feel comfortable coming to me with anything they need is important to me. I hope people see me as I intend to be, as a determined leader who sets clear expectations, addresses issues and is fair with people. I strive to model integrity, honesty and transparency, not just with our staff but also with all community members.” 

Outside of work, Theresa is a wife and mother. In 2023, she and her husband, Tristan, a Twin Otter captain with Rise Air, welcomed their first child, Lincoln. She loves raising her son in the North, on the lake in summer and on a snowmobile in winter. 

For Theresa, leadership is simple: show up, listen, and support your people. In a region where aviation is more than transportation – it is connection, opportunity, and lifeline – she is proud to play her part.