Wasaya Airlines is hiring three recently-graduated pilots from the very communities to which the company flies.
Chris Winnepetonga from Wunnumin Lake First Nation, Darren Anderson from Kasabonika Lake First Nation and Thomas Nodin from Whitesand First Nation received their graduation certificates in a ceremony at the Wasaya Hangar in Thunder Bay on Friday.
"The success of these graduates brings encouragement to young First Nations to pursue their careers and shows that it's possible for them to achieve their dreams," said Wasaya board chair, Bart Meekis.
All three pilots recently graduated from the Aviation-Flight Management program at Confederation College. They will work as apprentice pilots from the Wasaya Airbase in Pickle Lake.
Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno also sent along words of encouragement, urging Aboriginal youth to take their example from the young pilots.
"It is a pleasure to congratulate these three young pilots and we are especially proud they will be flying with a Frist Nations airline that brings vital air service to our remote communities," Yesno said in a release.
"We admire their determination for pursuing their dreams and their success is proof that with the right education, First Nation youth can achievve their goals and succeed in anything they set their minds to. They are an example for all youth to aim for the skies and let their spirits soar."
