Indigenous training institute to gain new aircraft with $4.9 million from feds

The federal government has committed up to $4.9 million over three years to the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), located on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

FNTI is an Indigenous-owned post-secondary institute offering the First Peoples' Aviation Technology program, the only Indigenous aviation post-secondary program of its kind in Canada. 

With this investment, FNTI will purchase five new training aircraft; hire additional aircraft maintenance engineers, flight instructors, dispatch staff, academic faculty and student support facilitators; and acquire innovative safety maintenance software. 

With this strengthened program, FNTI will work to double the number of Indigenous students training to become commercial pilots, enabling more Indigenous peoples to take advantage of growing economic opportunities in the aviation sector.

"Through this support FNTI will be able to create more educational opportunities for Indigenous learners, reduce our waiting list, and ensure pathways for Indigenous graduates into the aviation industry," said Suzanne Brant, president of First Nations Technical Institute.

“The initiative with FNTI will help increase labour force participation of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte community on and off the territory,” said Chief R. Donald Maracle, “and help Indigenous students across Canada, find good, well-paying jobs."