THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, on behalf of the Executive Council, expressed congratulations to three young First Nation pilots who have recently graduated and joined Wasaya Airways.
“It is a pleasure to congratulate these three young pilots and we are especially proud they will be flying with a First Nations airline that brings vital air service to our remote communities,” said NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno. “We admire their determination for pursuing their dreams and their success is proof that with the right education First Nation youth can achieve 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.”
Chris Winnepetonga from Wunnumin Lake First Nation Lake First Nation, Darren Anderson from Kasabonika Lake First Nation, and Thomas Nodin from Whitesand First Nation were presented graduation certificates by recently-appointed Wasaya President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rodyniuk and Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Bart Meekis, Chair of the Wasaya Board of Directors, at a special event at the Wasaya hanger in Thunder Bay today.
“The success of these graduates brings encouragement to young First Nations to pursue their careers and shows that it is possible for them to achieve their dreams. If you work and do not give you can succeed, the sky is the limit,” said Wasaya Board Chair Bart Meekis.
All three pilots recently graduated from the Aviation-Flight Management program at Confederation College and will work as apprentice pilots from the Wasaya airbase at Pickle Lake.
