New pilot training program launched in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan government is investing more than $1 million into a new program that will help train Indigenous pilots in the province.

Details of the initiative, called the Dziret'ái Pilot Training Program, were announced in the northern Saskatchewan hamlet of Stony Rapids on Aug. 1.

A total of 10 applicants will be chosen to enter the professional pilot training program, which will start this coming January.

Students who complete all requirements in the two-year program will be offered jobs as First Officers, allowing them to navigate and operate flights, with Rise Air.

Rise Air is a First Nations owned airline that has its headquarters in Saskatoon.

Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, a Rise Air director, is rather excited with the new project.

“Together we created a program committed to providing education and increased Indigenous employment in a highly-skilled profession,” she said. “It is important to us that we ensure the program has essential supports for students participating in this program, particularly with cultural and linguistic sensitivity, housing and transportation.”

Tsannie-Burseth is thrilled the province will have more Indigenous pilots.

“This program is designed to influence change, to enable communities to take pride in future pilots they have supported and raised,” she said.

And she’s already looking forward to the day program graduates will be flying the skies.

“What a celebration it will be when the pilot project is concluded when our people take flight and they land in our communities,” Tsannie-Burseth added.

The provincial government investments for the program consists of $631,500 from the Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and $375,000 from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

Also, Rise Air is investing almost $700,000 into the program.

Others who are funding the program are the Prince Albert Grand Council, Cameco, Orano Canada, SSR Mining and Ya’thi Néné.

Coreen Sayazie, the chief of the Black Lake Denesuliné First Nation, said news of the program was a historic announcement.

“Education and training are vitally important to our people,” she said. “It is the gateway by which our people can lift themselves out of poverty and obtain the means to participate in our communities.”

Sayazie is hoping other similar news will be forthcoming.

“We look forward to a future where training and education programs are continually being rolled out and these visits and announcements become the normal in our region,” she said.

Sayazie also said she was pleased to see many partners come together to launch the pilot training program.

“We can accomplish great things and make a difference in the lives of our people,” she said of the fact various groups came together for this initiative. “Our community members have lived off this land for thousands of years, through collaborative efforts.”

Dan Vandal, a Metis politician who is the minister for PrairiesCan, praised the new program.

“I don’t need to tell anyone here how important that air transportation is to the lifeline of communities and industries in the north,” he said. “This unique program will help fill critical pilot shortages and keep the businesses and communities here connected and keep the communities here growing.”

Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s minister for immigration and career training, echoed this sentiment.

“Air transportation is essential for connecting remote and northern communities and supporting our growing economy,” he said. “With growing demand of airline pilots there is a critical need to support the training and development of pilots. We are proud to invest in this pathway for local Indigenous pilots from the Athabasca region to serve their communities and facilitate economic growth in our province.”

Mary Denechezhe, the chair of the Board of Directors for the Ya’Thi Néné Lands and Resources, which supports Athabasca Basin communities, also attended the news conference launching the pilot training program.

“This program not only empowers our community members but also echoes our mission to foster sustainable development and opportunities in the Athabasca Basin,” she said. “Together with our partners, we are creating pathways to success for Indigenous residents and women, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive in the aviation industry."