'A proud moment': Pilot training program launches for Indigenous people in Sask.'s Athabasca Basin

A new pilot training program for Indigenous people in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin through charted airline Rise Air was announced Thursday.

The Dziret'ái Pilot Training Program is a collaboration between Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the government of Saskatchewan, Rise Air, Prince Albert Grand Council, Cameco, Orano and SSR Mining. 

The program will provide full funding and a pathway to success in aviation for a newly selected pool of applicants. 

Coreen Sayazie, chief of Black Lake First Nation, told CBC Thursday afternoon that Rise Air is the only airline in the Far North, and it has limited pilots. 

"That's where the idea came. We could bring the pilot training into the Far North and have our Indigenous youth, community members of the Far North take this training and give them opportunities to reach the skies," said Sayazie.

The chief said the new program has fostered excitement and energy in the Athabasca Basin. 

"I hear a lot of youth applying and saying they're excited … that this is something they've always wanted. So today, it was an important day."

Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan's minister of immigration and career training, said in a press release Thursday that air transportation is "essential for connecting remote and northern communities and supporting the growing economy."

"With growing demand of airline pilots there is a critical need to support the training and development of pilots," Harrison said.

Air travel is the main means of transportation for those in the Far North, as many communities are fly-in only. 

"Our mode of transportation since I was a child [has] only been on airplanes. It's natural for us to get on the plane," Sayazie said, drawing a comparison with car travel in central and south Saskatchewan.

According to the press release, the Dziret'ái Pilot Training Program will give aspiring pilots a "comprehensive pathway" to earn their wings. It will also provide applicants the opportunity to begin their careers as first officers with Rise Air once they finish the program.

Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, a Dene Rise Air board member, told CBC there are no Indigenous pilots currently working for Rise Air. She's excited to see that change. 

"You want to provide the best opportunity for students to see the world just so they can [say], 'I can do this,'" Tsannie-Burseth said.