Kenn Borek Air is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the $5,000 scholarships to assist in continuing the education of aspiring Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers!

The Pilot Scholarship recipient is Luke Kusugak. Luke is enrolled in the Integrated Commercial Pilot Course – Indigenous Pilot Pathway in Moncton, New Brunswick. Upon completion, he will hold a full Commercial Pilot’s License and Multi engine ratings.

Luke was born and raised in Rankin Inlet where he grew up as a very outgoing and adventurous person.

Luke is committed to his community, and provides assistance to the elders, as well as helping to maintain the hockey arena in Rankin Inlet.

Luke has chosen a career in aviation because of the impact it has in the North, connecting communities by transporting people and provisions. He is looking forward to beginning his career as a First Officer with a northern airline and building experience while flying in the areas he has always cared about.

The recipient of the AME Scholarship is MacKenzie Ericson-Lemaigre! MacKenzie is from the Clearwater River Dene Nation is enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies in MacKenzie originally signed up for a 12-week prep course for the AME diploma program for the training allowance that was provided. During this course, she discovered her affinity for working with sheet metal and structures work and was able to see a future for herself in a career that she did not expect to be possible.

MacKenzie is not only an excellent student, she learns quickly and is able teach sheet metal working skills to others.

Being from a reserve in northern Saskatchewan, MacKenzie has had to leave home to achieve an education. Although this is challenging at times, she recognizes that the path she is on is filled with endless opportunities for success and hopes to be an inspiration to other young people from her community.