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Ontario Investing $4.4 Million to Help More Indigenous Students Train for In-Demand Aviation Careers

Press Release

May 01, 2026

Province taking action to protect postsecondary education and ensure students develop the skills they need to land good-paying jobs

TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY – The Ontario government is investing an additional $4.4 million into the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) to rebuild its Aviation Training Centre and help more Indigenous students develop the skills they need for good paying, in-demand careers in aviation. This investment is part of the government’s historic $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector to protect postsecondary education, ensure the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes and support students in landing rewarding, in-demand careers.

“Ontario’s plan to protect Ontario includes taking decisive action to ensure students develop the skills they need to launch successful careers in industries that keep our economy moving,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment will protect access to world-class flight training for Indigenous students and help produce one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come.”

Four years ago, a fire destroyed FNTI’s Aviation Training Centre, disrupting students’ access to the institution’s aviation program. With this investment from the province, a new centre is under construction and will include a state-of-the-art flight simulator and modernized classrooms, creating new in-demand training seats and helping more students access training faster. Ontario’s aviation workforce plays a vital role in connecting rural and remote communities and supports sectors such as mining, emergency response and transportation that are critical to building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy.

“Delivering the only Indigenous aviation program of its kind in Canada, First Nations Technical Institute continues to be a leader in Indigenous post-secondary education and skilled workforce development,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Through our partnership with FNTI, we are supporting students who are uniquely equipped to meet community priorities, enhance remote access and drive economic growth across Indigenous communities.”

As part of the province’s plan to protect postsecondary education, the historic $6.4 billion funding model includes an additional $57 million for Indigenous Institutes across the province, including FNTI. This will nearly double annual operating funding for Indigenous Institutes by 2028 and fund up to 780 in-demand seats through $33 million for labour-market driven programs.

“This historic investment will allow FNTI to continue rebuilding our Aviation Training Centre and expanding capacity to train the next generation of Indigenous aviation professionals,” said Suzanne Brant, President of FNTI. “By completing Phase 2 of our hangar construction, we are strengthening hands-on flight training and modern learning environments that prepare students for in‑demand careers supporting Ontario’s critical industries. As Canada’s only Indigenous postsecondary aviation program of its kind, this support reinforces the province’s commitment to Indigenous learners, community connectivity, and a skilled workforce for the future. We thank Minister Quinn and the Government of Ontario for their continued partnership and leadership.”

These investments will better meet the needs of the sector and help more students access the education they need to land rewarding, in-demand careers, while ensuring Ontario’s world-class institutions can continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“Today’s investment not only provides for renewed infrastructure and interest in learning locally at First Nations Technical Institute, but it also trains skilled pilots who can help better connect Ontario communities, including those in northern and rural areas. This educational pathway will help foster new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.”
– Tyler Allsopp
MPP for Bay of Quinte

“We are grateful for this investment from the Province of Ontario. It marks an exciting step forward in our mission to expand flight training opportunities for Indigenous learners, strengthening access and empowering the next generation of Indigenous pilots. Most significantly, this funding drives the next phase of construction of our new hangar—a major milestone that will soon become FNTI’s Indigenous Aviation Centre for Skills Training, Research, and Development. This centre represents a bold investment in Indigenous talent, innovation, and leadership in aviation.”
– Jo-Anne Tabobandung
Dean of Aviation, FNTI

“As Chair of the FNTI Board of Directors, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario and The Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, for ensuring that FNTI received this contribution toward the completion of Phase 2 of the hangar construction. Once completed, this facility will serve as an important hub for Indigenous students from across Ontario, students who will train here and go on to contribute to the economic growth of their communities and the Province of Ontario. I would like to acknowledge Suzanne Brant and her team for the exceptional work they have done to bring FNTI to this point. I have been with the organization for approximately 12 years, and after a career that included work in both government and the private sector, I can honestly say that I have never seen an organization scale up as effectively as FNTI has under Suzanne’s leadership. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of FNTI’s leadership team, and extend our sincere gratitude to Minister Quinn and the Province of Ontario for their continued support.”
– Ralph Brant
Board Chair, FNTI

“FNTI is not only a leader in post-secondary First Nations education; it is also synonymous with its ongoing innovation and creativity in providing learning opportunities that simply do not exist elsewhere. This funding to rebuild FNTI’s Aviation Training Center, and provide unique in-flight training opportunities for First Nations students, reflects this leadership and the vision of President Suzanne Brant to constantly be growing and addressing the learning potential of communities, and employment demands of industry. This funding is an exceptional investment in the future.”
– Sean Monteith
Executive Director, Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council

“First Nations Technical Institute has been an incredible post-secondary school over many years, under the fantastic leadership of Suzanne Brant. With this funding announcement, the Ontario government is recognizing that excellence and underscoring the importance of focused high-end education with an Indigenous cultural lens. I am so impressed with FNTI and appreciate their work.”
– Ric Breese
MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington

“For more than three decades, Canadore has been honoured to partner with First Nations Technical Institute in aviation education. The opening of this new hangar is a powerful symbol of Indigenous leadership, resilience, and self-determination, and reflects what is possible when institutions work together in ways that respect Indigenous authority and community priorities. It also strengthens the First Peoples’ Aviation Technology – Flight program, which has opened doors for generations of Indigenous learners to enter one of Canada’s most safety-critical and in-demand sectors, ensuring students can train close to home in a culturally grounded environment with access to world-class facilities.”

– Dr. Sandra Efu

President and CEO, Canadore College

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Bianca Giacoboni
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Bianca.Giacoboni@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
MCURES.media@ontario.ca

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