The BC Aviation Council’s (BCAC) has announced a new scholarship named after Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan.
During the start of its three-day annual conference held in Prince George, the BCAC announced that the Chief Dolleen Logan Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship worth $3,000 annually will be awarded to any self-identified Indigenous person in Canada.
Its focus is to support an education program in B.C. that leads to any kind of career in aviation and aerospace.
“I am honoured on behalf of our nation to have this new BC Aviation Council scholarship in my name. The creation of this scholarship to support an Indigenous person from across Canada who wants to have a career in aviation and aerospace industry is a sincere gesture of Truth and Reconciliation of the part of the BC Aviation Council and its members,” said Logan.
Earlier this year, Lheidli T’enneh also signed a collaboration agreement with the Prince George Airport Authority that will see the two work together moving forward.
“The announcement today of a new scholarship for an Indigenous person from across Canada who wishes to pursue a career in aviation or aerospace is proof the industry in BC is serious about developing closer working relations with First Nations. I am truly honoured to be part of this positive initiative,” added Logan.
“Look into aviation, become a pilot, spread your wings and fly. We need more First Nations in the industry. There's a shortage of pilots. So, hopefully it will encourage more people to apply for and get into the industry.”
B.C. Aviation Council Chair Heather McCarley said the industry is struggling with a human resources crisis and the way to change that is to make careers in aviation more affordable and inclusive.
“The aviation and aerospace industry is struggling with a critical labour shortage. To solve this crisis, we must attract new entrants from under-represented groups in our industry such as Indigenous Youth and Students from smaller communities,” said McCarley.
“To this end we have established this permanent scholarship in partnership with the Prince George Airport Authority to thank Chief Logan for her gracious welcome.”
Prince George Airport Authority President and CEO Gordon Duke said the scholarship represents the organization’s core values.
“Not only does it promote education in the aviation sector, it focuses on First Nations students and expanding their opportunities to further their education. We hope one day the recipient of this scholarship may come work for us here at YXS.”
Interested students, and people changing careers or re-entering the workforce, are encouraged to review all scholarships and applications at BCAviationCouncil.org.
The BC Aviation Council administers over $100,000 a year in awards – Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace scholarship program. Applications open January 15th each year.
