Partnerships are essential. We work with numerous Aboriginal programs, media and job fairs to hire First Nations people across Canada.
Since 1993 Air Canada has been a sponsor of The Indspire Awards to recognize Indigenous professionals and youth with outstanding career achievements. Recipients are chosen to serve as role models for all Indigenous peoples. In addition, since 2016, we sponsor the Indspire Bursaries and Scholarships to support Aboriginal students in their post-secondary education, apprenticeships and skilled trades programs.
Along with Jazz, Air Canada created a partnership with FNTI (First Nation Technical Institute) in order to help young Aboriginals in becoming pilots.
18 years ago, I saw an employment poster from Air Canada with a First Nations girl in an Air Canada uniform and I thought to myself: "That is what I want to do! That is going to be me!" Before I became a flight attendant, I had only been in an airplane a couple times. This career has opened my eyes to many new sights and has shown me the world. Air Canada is a great company and when my family talks about what I do and whom I work for, they are proud. I would love to see more First Nations people employed and representing Air Canada–whether it be on the front line, in the air, on the ground, or behind the scenes. Huy chq’u"
Karen Chapman, Service Director