Ya'thi Néné Lands and Resources Announces the Dziret'ái Pilot Training Program
Stony Rapids, SK, August 1, 2024 – The Ya'thi Néné Land and Resource Office (YNLR) is proud to announce the launch of the Dziret’ái (Tsi-er-eh-tai) Pilot Training Program, a new initiative aimed at empowering Indigenous residents and women in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. This program is made possible through a collaborative partnership with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, Rise Air, Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Cameco, Orano, and SSR Mining. The program will provide full funding and a pathway to success in aviation for the selected participants.
The program was officially announced at an event in Stony Rapids this morning, featuring statements from our federal and provincial funding partners, PrairiesCan and the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.
“Air transportation is essential for connecting remote and northern communities and supporting our growing economy. With growing demand of airline pilots there is a critical need to support the training and development of pilots," said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison. "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.”
“Our government is proud to see the positive impacts the Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program will have on the businesses and communities in the Athabasca Basin,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “This collaboration will lead to good paying jobs for local Indigenous residents while filling a critical need for pilots in Northern Saskatchewan.”
The Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program offers aspiring pilots a comprehensive pathway to earn their wings and the opportunity to begin their careers as First Officers with Rise Air upon completion. The program will admit fifteen successful applicants into the Elevated Skills Program, a fully funded skills and upgrading component running from mid-September to December. Following this phase, ten students will be selected to enter the pilot training program starting in January 2025. Efforts will focus on training and employing Indigenous residents and women, who are under-represented in aviation.
“Rise Air is honoured to partner with leading organizations in Saskatchewan’s north to make the Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program a reality, said Rise Air Board member, Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth. “Together we have created a program that provides education and employment in a highly skilled profession. Rise Air is 100 per cent Indigenous owned by the communities we serve, and our goal is for program graduates to serve their communities. If we can inspire the next generation of students in the Athabasca Basin, we will have inspired positive change and hope for the future.”
Training will take place at Mitchinson Flight Centre in Saskatoon, with integrated cultural supports including the presence of Elders and knowledge keepers, and opportunities to participate in cultural events. A formal graduation ceremony is planned for June 2026.
"We are thrilled to launch the Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program, which reaffirms our commitment to partnerships and collaboration,” said Mary Denechezhe, YNLR Board Chair. “This program not only empowers our community members but also echoes our mission to foster sustainable development and opportunities in the Athabasca Basin. 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."
The Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program is not just a leap forward for aspiring pilots; it is a significant step in addressing the critical pilot shortage that also impacts the mining sector in northern Saskatchewan. All mines in the Athabasca Basin rely heavily on air transportation to connect with remote communities and urban centres like Saskatoon and Prince Albert. This shortage directly affects the operations of our partners, making this initiative an essential investment in the region's economic infrastructure.
“Orano Canada is pleased to support the Dziret-ái Pilot Training Program as it will benefit northerners with an interest in aviation, while also helping to address a critical pilot shortage in the region,” said Jim Corman, Orano Canada President and CEO. “We feel the impact of this shortage on our operations in northern Saskatchewan, and we have also heard concerns from our partners and local community members, so we see this as an investment that will have a long-lasting benefit.”
“SSR Mining is thrilled to partner and invest in pilot training for northern residents of Saskatchewan, empowering individuals with the skills needed to address the pilot shortage,” said Graham Bussiere, EHSS Manager at SSR Mining Inc. Seabee Gold Operation. “Supporting the Pilot Pathway will give students the opportunity to develop and grow their careers all while serving the communities we call home.”
“Cameco is proud to support the Dziret’ái Pilot Pathways Program with our partners in the Athabasca Basin and the provincial and federal governments,” said Tim Gitzel, Cameco President and CEO. “Air travel is vital to northern communities, as it is to our operations. This program will provide critical training opportunities for northern residents and prepare them for a career that will serve their communities.”
The launch of the Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of YNLR, Rise Air, Cameco, Orano, SSR Mining, and governmental bodies. By investing in the future of aviation in the Athabasca Basin, we are fostering economic growth and sustainability, ensuring that our communities remain connected and our industries continue to thrive.
Online applications will be accepted at www.dziretai.ca until August 5, 2024 at midnight.
About YNLR
YNLR is a non-profit organization owned by the Athabasca Denesuliné First Nations of Hatchet Lake First Nation, Black Lake First Nation and Fond du Lac First Nation and the Athabasca Municipalities of Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Uranium City, and Camsell Portage.
YNLR was established in June 2016 with the mandate to promote and enhance the environmental, social, economic, and cultural well-being of current and future Athabasca residents. Through partnerships and collaboration, we strive to create a thriving and prosperous future for our communities.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Garrett Schmidt
Executive Director
Ya'thi Néné Lands and Resources
306-370-3358
