EDUCATION GUIDE FIRST PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT INC.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
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Taking flight Drone program continues to grow The growth of FPDI's drone program has been driven by participant interest and the belief that First Nations learners should have access to emerging technologies and industry-recognized training.
SUPPLIED
BY EVAN COLGAN
W hat began as a short introduction to drone technology has developed into an innovative training program that is helping First Nations participants develop practical skills, earn industry-recognized certifications and explore opportunities in a growing industry. First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI) introduced drone training in 2018 as part of its successful First Nations youth robotics program. At the time, the drone component was a brief, hands-on activity using small DJI Tello drones. These lightweight drones gave partic- ipants an accessible way to learn basic flight controls and program- ming while adding another engaging element to the robotics course. Participants wanted more time with the technology, and it soon became clear that drones offered far more than an engaging class- room activity. As the use of drones expanded into industries such as mapping, construction, emergency response, environmental monitoring, photography, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, FPDI recognized an opportunity to build upon that enthusiasm by creating a pathway toward professional training and formal certification. Since then, FPDI's drone program has continued to evolve. Through four successful training sessions, the organization has helped partic- ipants earn 56 drone certifications while strengthening partnerships, expanding staff expertise, and demonstrating how emerging tech- nology can support the priorities of First Nations communities. Each training session has provided new opportunities to refine the program while ensuring participants receive practical, industry-relevant instruction. The program reached another milestone during its most recent one-week training session, delivered in partnership with Queen City Drones. Fifteen participants from various First Nations communities came together for an intensive program that combined classroom instruction, practical flight experience, examinations, and in-person flight reviews. The goal was to prepare participants to earn their Advanced Operations certification through Transport Canada while providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to safely oper- ate drones in professional settings. Throughout the week, participants studied air law, meteorology, flight planning, aviation safety, mapping, and the responsibili- ties involved in operating a remotely piloted aircraft system. The curriculum went well beyond learning how to fly a drone. Partic- ipants developed an understanding of aviation regulations, risk management, operational planning, and the responsibilities required to safely conduct professional drone operations. Every lesson was designed to prepare participants not only for certification, but also how to apply their skills confidently in real-world environments. Advanced Operations certification represents an important step beyond basic drone operation. Certified pilots are qualified to conduct flights that require a greater level of planning and knowl- edge, including operating in controlled airspace with the appropriate authorization, flying closer to people and completing more detailed flight planning. To earn this certification, participants were required to successfully pass both the Advanced Operations examination and an in-person flight review that demonstrated their knowledge and flight proficiency. Their dedication throughout the week resulted in an outstanding achievement, with all 15 participants successfully completing both certification requirements, earning their Advanced
strating both the strength of the instruction and the dedication of those involved. The achievement also highlights just how far FPDI's drone program has come since participants first flew DJI Tello drones as part of a youth robotics class in 2018. The growth of FPDI's drone program has been driven by participant interest and by the belief that First Nations learners should have access to emerging technologies and industry-recognized training. As drone technology continues to evolve, the demand for qualified operators continues to grow, creating opportunities across both pub- lic and private sectors. Through practical instruction and recognized certification, FPDI is helping participants develop skills that are valuable today and adaptable for the future. Beyond earning certification, participants are already identifying ways to apply their new knowledge through employment, entrepre- neurship, community projects, land-based initiatives, media produc- tion, emergency services and local mapping. For many, the value of the training extends well beyond the classroom. The success of the latest training session demonstrates that the interest, talent, and potential are already present within First Nations communities. By investing in practical skills and emerging technol- ogies, FPDI is helping participants prepare for careers in a rapidly evolving industry while strengthening the capacity of their commu- nities to make use of those technologies in meaningful ways. As drone technology continues to advance, FPDI remains commit- ted to building on that momentum; creating new opportunities for First Nations participants to gain the knowledge, certifications and confidence needed to succeed. What began as a simple introduction to drone technology has become a program that is opening doors, building careers and helping First Nations communities take part in the future of an increasingly technology-driven world. n
I will be doing LiDAR, mapping, and views for Lands. It will benefit the Lands Department, which will benefit community development."
— Abigail Letandre, Pinaymootang First Nation
Operations pilot certificates and achieving a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate. Following the completion of Advanced Operations certification, the program moved into the next phase with Complex Operations. Introduced by Transport Canada in November of 2025, this new category includes Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. Four FPDI staff members joined participants for training in Complex Operations, allowing the organization to continue expanding its own expertise alongside community members. Building internal capacity is an important part of FPDI's long-term vision, ensuring future participants continue to benefit from knowledgeable staff and strong partnerships. For many participants, the training also provided a clear vision of how these new skills could immediately benefit their own communities. Every participant who completed the Complex Operations portion of the training successfully met the program requirements, demon-
It will be used for my job with search and rescue and other valuable situations on the job."
— Ryan Sutherland, Peguis First Nation, First Nations Safety Officer (FNSO)
To learn more about FPDI's training programs and initiatives, visit FPDINC.CA.
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