Drone Pilot Training in the Nisga'a Nation

Sometimes the most meaningful part of a course isn't the graduation. It's hearing students reflect on what the experience meant to them.

During the closing circle of our Drone Pilot Training in the Nisga'a Nation, our Senior Manager of Digital Skills, Tirzah Swampy, fought back tears as students shared their experiences. They spoke about the technical skills they had gained, but just as often, they talked about the relationships they had built, especially with their instructor, Max.

Max has an incredible ability to connect with people very quickly. Student after student spoke about how engaging he made the course, keeping everyone motivated through long hours of online learning while creating an environment where people felt supported and encouraged.

This cohort included firefighters, land guardians, security professionals, and entrepreneurs, each bringing a unique perspective to the course. By the end of the program, seven students had successfully completed their flight review, marking an important milestone in their journey as drone pilots.

The generosity of the Nisga'a people was felt everywhere. One student brought the team canned deer and moose meat, along with a jar of oolichan grease. Tirzah stayed with Lana and her family, who welcomed her into their home. They showed her the smokehouse built by Lana's mother and the fish they had just hung to smoke.

These experiences remind us that our programs are about much more than technical training. They are about building relationships, creating opportunities, and learning from one another.

We left the Nass Valley grateful for the warm welcome, inspired by the dedication of the students, and reminded of how fortunate we are to do this work alongside First Nations throughout British Columbia.