BC Aviation Council and Kamloops Airport Partner to Launch New Scholarship for Indigenous Students Seeking Careers in Aviation and Aerospace

Kamloops, B.C.; June 2, 2025: As part of its commitment to reconciliation and supporting the future of aviation and aerospace in British Columbia, BC Aviation Council (BCAC) in partnership with Kamloops Airport (YKA) is proud to announce the establishment of the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship.

This scholarship, with a minimum value of $2,000, will be awarded annually to an Indigenous student who is pursuing an education program in B.C. or Yukon that leads to a career in aviation or aerospace. This new scholarship underscores the importance of increasing Indigenous participation in the sector and supporting career development in underserved communities.

The scholarship is named for Rosanne Casimir, an esteemed community leader who is serving her third three-year term as Kúkpi7 (Chief) of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS). Rosanne is also Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council representing nine first nation communities within Secwépemcúl̓ecw, and a member of the Board of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. Throughout Rosanne’s years of service and leadership, she has promoted inclusive, sustainable, and innovative growth for a shared and thriving economy of TteS.

“We are very pleased to participate in the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship, helping to advance careers in our industry by tapping into the talent here in our communities,” said Jim Moroz, Managing Director, Kamloops Airport. 

“The aviation and aerospace sector is facing an acute labour shortage,” said Cathy Press, BC Aviation Council Chair. “To address these workforce challenges, we must broaden the talent pool and support underrepresented groups, especially Indigenous youth, women and students from smaller communities. This new scholarship is a key part of this effort.”

“We are deeply honoured by the establishment of the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of Indigenous leadership and participation in the future of aviation and aerospace. By supporting Indigenous students in pursuing careers in this vital sector, we are investing in a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future,” said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir. “This scholarship is not only a tribute to the legacy of leadership it is a commitment to empowering the next generation of Indigenous professionals, and ensuring that our voices, skills, and values continue to shape the skies above us. Kukwstsétsemc to the BC Aviation Council and Kamloops Airport for walking this path of reconciliation and opportunity with us and the prospective future generations.”

Beginning in 2026, the scholarship will be awarded annually to an Indigenous student who demonstrates a passion for aviation and aerospace, broadly defined – whether as a pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, air traffic controller, airport operations professional, analyst, or another vital role within the industry. Students can submit applications via the BCAC website beginning January 15, 2026 through April 30, 2026. The scholarship recipient will be notified by DATE, with funds adjudicated for an upcoming school program or semester.

The BC Aviation Council currently administers over $200,000 in aviation and aerospace scholarships annually – the largest such program in Canada.