VANCOUVER — Air Canada marked AC34 from Vancouver to Toronto on April 27 as an Indigenous celebratory flight.

With a crew of nine flight attendants and pilot, all with Indigenous heritage, the B777 had onboard numerous members of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) from across B.C. and the Yukon travelling to the 8th annual FNMPC Conference.

Prior to flight boarding, a symbolic Indigenous cedar brushing onboard the aircraft was carried out by Mary Point, Director, Indigenous Relations at Vancouver Airport Authority, followed by welcoming remarks by Point as well as Jim Sa’ke’j Hemsworth, a member of the Mi’gmaq Nation and Air Canada’s Manager, Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, and also Steve Saddleback from the FNMPC.

Point sang the traditional Musqueam Paddle Song, signifying cultural connection, a welcome to all, and a blessing before an important journey, before leading passengers down to board the aircraft.

Hemsworth and the Indigenous employee resource group at Air Canada work to advance initiatives such as career outreach, education and honouring Indigenous cultures.

One such collaboration is with the FNMPC, a non-profit organization supporting its First Nations members with tools to advance economic growth, environmental support and public policy improvements.

As part of this collaboration, flight AC34 celebrated Air Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, highlighting the professional achievements of Indigenous employees in aviation.

“This flight fosters Indigenous inclusion, honours Indigenous cultures, and sets an example for supporting Indigenous participation in industries. It stands as a strong statement of progress and inclusion,” said Hemsworth.

Giving thanks and gratitude is a cornerstone of Indigenous communities when coming together. In this spirit, he gave thanks before the flight.

“To the people of the Musqueam Nation, thank you for welcoming us onto your lands. Your cedar blessing and the songs you have shared with us are gifts we deeply appreciate,” he said.

“A heartfelt thanks to our Indigenous crew for ensuring our safety throughout today’s journey. In doing so, you honour a legacy of care and protection that our ancestors upheld when the first Europeans arrived on these lands – a tradition we continue proudly each day at Air Canada.

“To those who came before us, we owe our existence, and to the next seven generations, may our work be as meaningful and impactful as those who preceded us.

“I am thankful for all of this, so I say Wela’lioq and Nmultis.”