Transwest Air celebrates 15th birthday in a big way

“We believe that northern Saskatchewan is about to explode with prosperity,” he said. “We need to do everything we can to enable the people of [the North] to reach the greatest level of success.”

Lawless cited the humble work ethic of Saskatchewan workers, and “the treasures that exist on and below the surface of our picturesque fields and lakes” as the reason for the North’s bright future.

Though packed with minerals and resources, northern Saskatchewan is sparsely populated. According to Lawless less than four per cent of Saskatchewan’s population lives on over 50 per cent of the land.

“We believe it’s critical for these small cities to prosper,” Lawless said. “What we’re doing today is focusing on the community we have the closest relationship with, which is Fond-du-Lac.”

Fond-du-Lac has a population of 980, having risen by roughly 100 over the last few years. If travelling by car, it takes between 10-12 hours to make the trip to Prince Albert. A flight takes only two to three hours.

The region is rich with uranium, leading many residents to train for that industry.

Fond-du-Lac Denesuline First Nation CEO Darryl McDonald was on hand to take part in the announcement. Since he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government, as well as a master of business administration, he understood the need for continuing education in his community.

With a growing population, and an increasing need for professionals not involved with uranium extraction and processing, McDonald hopes this partnership will promote a career outside the mines.

“We’ve got doctors, nurses and dentists,” he said. “We need more role models to promote more of that training, not just the mining.

“It’s really important children get exposed to our people and see what professions they have. We don’t really expose ourselves to those types of people or recognize what they’ve accomplished.”

Having travelled far for his own education, McDonald also understands the struggle facing post-secondary students leaving home, often for the first time.

Many college or university students struggle with emotional and financial issues such as home sickness, or a bank balance that’s never as big as they hope.

A number of students have left Fond-Du-Lac to attempt a post-secondary education, but returned home without completing. McDonald hopes that this partnership will encourage those students to return to school.

He admitted not everyone is university material, which is why Transwest Air is not limiting this program to just university.

“The goal is to do what you’re best at, and that’s the vision I feel should be sought after.”

ssterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit

by Spencer Sterritt

Transwest Air celebrates 15th birthday in a big way

What's Trending