The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) has announced $4.5 million in funding for the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) in Deseronto.
The announcement was made by the minister responsible for FedDev, Filomena Tassi, at FNTI on Tuesday.
Funding will be used to establish a helicopter training program as well as acquire what they say will be new specialized equipment.
The specialized equipment for the training program will include a helicopter, a helicopter flight simulator and a curriculum that is currently under development.
It will also include a fixed wing simulator that will meet Transport Canada regulations.
Funds will also go towards replacing the apron outside the hangar that was lost in a fire in 2022.
According to a release, these will help “enhance the aerospace ecosystem for Indigenous communities and create new opportunities for Indigenous youth across Canada.”
Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Filomena Tassi announcing $4.5 million for First Nations Technical Institute in Deseronto. August 20, 2024. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
“This investment builds on a number of projects that we have partnered with FMTI on as it works towards the transition to a net zero campus, increases the participation of women and First Nations, Inuit & Métis peoples in the aviation industry and to expand its programming,” Tassi said in a speech.
Tassi said she had the chance to speak with students and staff at the facility before the announcement, to take in the facilities.
“These stories are very important because as a government representative, it helps me better understand the impact of the investments that we are making. I can tell you that the young people that I met with this morning, there’s no better investment than an investment in that,” Tassi said.
President of FNTI, Suzanne Brant, also spoke about how the funding will help FNTI.
“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,” Brant says in a press release.
“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.”
Aircraft at First Nations Technical Institute in Deseronto. (File Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
