A new pilot training program for people in the Athabasca Basin region was announced this week.

The new Dziret’ai (Tsi-er-eh-tai) Pilot Training Program was officially announced at an event in Stony Rapids on Thursday.

The pilot training program will be run by Rise Air with several funding partners.

These partners include the provincial and federal governments, the Prince Albert Grand Council, and mining companies Cameco, Orano, and SSR Mining.

“Rise Air is honoured to partner with leading organizations in Saskatchewan’s north to make the Dziret’ai Pilot Training Program a reality,” said Rise Air Board Member Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth. “If we can inspire the next generation of students in the Athabasca Basin, we will have inspired positive change and hope for the future.”

Training will take place at Mitchinson Flight Centre in Saskatoon.

15 successful applicants will begin their training this fall, with officially pilot training starting in the new year, and a graduation for the first class set for next June.

The program has already begun accepting applications at www.dziretai.ca with the application set to close on August 5 at midnight.

(Photo courtesy of Rise Air)