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AERIAL EVOLUTION
2026
CONFERENCE
+ EXHIBITION
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Nov3

To

Nov5

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The International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO), Montréal

Indigenous Innovation Award

In 2023, the AEAC Board of Directors introduced the Indigenous Innovations Award to honor the accomplishments of Indigenous individuals in the RPAS/drone sector, recognizing their significant contributions and leadership within their communities and the industry.

The first-ever recipient of the AEAC Indigenous Innovations Award was Jacob Taylor. Jacob, a member of Curve Lake First Nation and Otter Clan, was recognized for his extensive work in aligning academic pursuits with traditional responsibilities in health and education. As the CEO of Indigenous Aerospace, he has been pivotal in ensuring that Indigenous communities benefit from drone technology. Jacob’s leadership, advocacy, and innovative projects have made a profound impact on the RPAS sector in Canada, making him an exemplary recipient of this award.

We are excited to invite the RPAS community to nominate outstanding Indigenous individuals for this year’s AEAC Indigenous Innovations Award. This is an opportunity to highlight the incredible talent and leadership within Indigenous communities working in the commercial drone space in Canada.

Your nominations play a crucial role in identifying these exceptional individuals, and we invite you to be part of this celebration. Let’s come together to recognize and applaud the achievements of these remarkable individuals who inspire and shape the future of the drone industry.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: July 31, 2026
  • Voting opens: August 31, 2026
  • Announcement of nominees: September 30, 2026

Past recipients of this distinguished honor include

  • 2025: Teara Fraser
  • 2024: Darcy Hunt
  • 2023: Jacob Taylor