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First Nations Technical Institute to establish new helicopter training program in Canada

FedDev Ontario Press Release | August 20, 2024

Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 49 seconds.

Ontario’s aerospace manufacturers are a core part of the global supply chain for virtually every passenger aircraft in the world.

The aerospace industry works closely with local academia and businesses to develop and commercialize new products and technologies and build a strong ecosystem. 

Aerospace training initiatives tailored to Indigenous populations not only aim to cultivate essential skills, but also foster opportunities for meaningful employment and sustainable economic growth within Indigenous communities.

Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), an Indigenous-owned and governed educational institution, to tour the facility and meet with students.

While there, Tassi announced an investment of $4.5 million for FNTI to expand its aerospace training programs and acquire new specialized equipment to enhance the aerospace ecosystem for Indigenous communities and create new opportunities for Indigenous youth across Canada.

Helicopter pilots play a critical role in providing services to Indigenous communities in remote regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.

The funding from the federal government will support the expansion of FNTI’s aviation programming options by establishing a new helicopter training program.

This program will offer students the opportunity to train with advanced equipment and experts, and to obtain their helicopter pilot licence with a specialized focus on servicing the unique needs of remote Indigenous communities. 

FNTI’s student-focused approach to teaching combined with their tailored programming will position FNTI students to make an immediate impact after graduation.

The Government of Canada said it recognizes the importance of working alongside Indigenous communities, creating opportunities for Indigenous students, and supporting them as they grow. These investments help strengthen the aerospace and aviation sector, drive innovation and build a strong, inclusive economy. 

“The First Nations Technical Institute is creating new opportunities for Indigenous youth while helping to fill critical gaps in the aerospace and aviation ecosystem by supporting the development of a helicopter training program, focused on servicing the unique needs of remote Indigenous communities. Today’s support is an investment not only in the future of our aerospace and aviation industry, but is also helping to empower Indigenous youth to build meaningful and impactful future careers in this growing sector,” said Tassi.

“This funding announcement brings an envelope of support that will provide a new aviation helicopter training program to Indigenous students from remote, fly-in and urban regions across Canada, graduating more pilots, growing economic development, stimulating entrepreneurship, cultivating mentorship and responding to the needs of communities. FNTI is grateful to Minister Tassi and FedDev Ontario for the ongoing support and the opportunities this has brought to Indigenous post-secondary education in Ontario,” said Suzanne Brant, president, First Nations Technical Institute.

 Quick Facts

This press release was prepared and distributed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

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