According to Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, senior vice president-people, culture and communications, Air Canada acknowledges the achievements and contributions of Air Canada’s 350 First Nations, Inuit and Métis employees, who originated the idea of operating a flight with an all-indigenous crew. “We are thrilled to champion their pride in their identity and their professional attainments in aviation, which also makes them incredible ambassadors for our company and role models for young people. As well, we are appreciative of our indigenous employees’ desire to help us demonstrate that Air Canada is a company that promotes and celebrates diversity and is a company open to and welcoming of all talents.”

Leading by example, Air Canada is first out of the gate to deploy an entirely indigenous-operated flight acknowledging the contributions of their indigenous employees. This is an unprecedented move to advance indigenous participation and business initiatives, JP Gladu, president and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) said.