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.

The Honourable 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, Minister 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 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.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“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.”
– Suzanne Brant, President, First Nations Technical Institute

• Established in 1985, the First Nations Technical Institute is located on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and offers training programs designed particularly for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
• FNTI is accredited by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC).
• More than 4,000 graduates have received certificate, diploma and degree credentials issued in partnership with recognized Ontario colleges and universities.
• Including today’s announcement, the organization has received over $14 million for projects that support the institution’s future transition to a net-zero campus, increase the participation of women and Indigenous Peoples in the aviation industry, and expand its aviation training program, aimed at enabling more Indigenous peoples to take advantage of growing economic opportunities in the aviation sector.
• Indigenous businesses and organizations are encouraged to contact FedDev Ontario to discuss their objectives as they relate to economic development and for guidance on navigating available programming and services. For more information, please contact 1-877- 553-5507 or email indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.