Nov3
Nov5
Location to come
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.
Darcy Hunt, CEO of Aboriginal Training Services and a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation, has made significant contributions to the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) and drone sector, particularly in advancing opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Darcy has been instrumental in integrating drone technology into various sectors, focusing on training and capacity-building within Indigenous communities. His leadership at Aboriginal Training Services emphasizes education and skill development, particularly in the field of drone operations, enabling community members to engage in this emerging industry
Drone Training Programs – Under Darcy’s guidance, Aboriginal Training Services developed specialized drone pilot training programs tailored for Indigenous youth. These programs not only teach technical skills but also emphasize the importance of drone technology in various applications such as environmental monitoring and land management.
Partnerships with Industry: Darcy has fostered collaborations between Indigenous organizations and private sector companies in the drone industry.
Advocacy for Indigenous Rights in Tech: Beyond training, Darcy advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in technological development and policy-making related to drones. His efforts have raised awareness about the importance of respecting Indigenous rights in the utilization of aerial technologies.
Impact on the Industry and Communities
Darcy Hunt’s initiatives have not only advanced the RPAS sector but also created pathways for economic development and self-determination within Indigenous communities. By equipping individuals with technical skills, he has opened doors to careers in drone technology, contributing to job creation and community resilience. His work exemplifies a model for how Indigenous communities can leverage modern technology while respecting and integrating traditional knowledge and practices.