Kamloops Airport Invites Indigenous Students to Apply for Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship
Kamloops, B.C.; February 18, 2026— Kamloops Airport (YKA), in partnership with the BC Aviation Council (BCAC), is pleased to invite Indigenous students across British Columbia and the Yukon to apply for the Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship, a scholarship created to support Indigenous participation and leadership in aviation and aerospace. Valued at $3,500, the scholarship will be awarded annually to an Indigenous student pursuing post-secondary education in either region that leads to a career in aviation or aerospace.
The scholarship is named in honor of Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir, a respected community leader serving her third term as Chief of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and former Tribal Chief of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. Her leadership and advocacy for inclusive, sustainable economic growth continue to inspire this initiative.
“We hope to empower local students to see themselves in the aviation industry, possibly even here at Kamloops Airport one day,” said Jim Moroz, Managing Director, Kamloops Airport. “Aviation and aerospace offer meaningful, long-term career opportunities, and this scholarship is one way we can support the next generation of Indigenous professionals as they begin that journey.”
The Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation Scholarship supports students pursuing a wide range of aviation and aerospace pathways, including but not limited to pilot training, aircraft maintenance engineering, air traffic control, airport operations, analytics, and other essential roles across the sector.
“It is truly uplifting to see this scholarship continue to grow in purpose and impact. Each year, more Indigenous students are stepping forward with determination and vision, ready to take their place in the aviation and aerospace sector. Supporting their educational journeys reflects our shared commitment to meaningful reconciliation, one grounded in opportunity, inclusion, and long-term success. I am honoured to stand alongside Kamloops Airport and the BC Aviation Council as we continue empowering the next generation of Secwépemc and Indigenous leaders to soar with confidence. Kukwstsétsemc for investing in our future.” Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir
Applications are now open as of February 1, 2026, and will be accepted through the BC Aviation Council website until April 30, 2026.
The BC Aviation Council administers more than $200,000 in aviation and aerospace scholarships annually, representing the largest program of its kind in Canada. Through partnerships such as this one with Kamloops Airport, BCAC continues to support a strong, diverse, and future-ready aviation workforce.
“The Kamloops Airport Authority Society is excited to see the Kamloops Airport operator Vantage Group and the BC Aviation Council support Indigenous students in pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. This scholarship reflects a commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and to ensuring Indigenous voices and talent help shape the future of the industry. Investing in Indigenous learners today, builds a stronger, more diverse sector for generations.”— Bill Sarai, Board President, Kamloops Airport Authority Society and Kamloops City Councillor
More information and application details are available at:
www.bcaviationcouncil.org/scholarship-applications/
For more information:
Ashley Wood
Ashley_Wood@kamloopsairport.com