Great Lakes Maskwa Aviation
An Indigenous Company Supporting Indigenous Communities
Great Lakes Maskwa Aviation (GLMA), based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, offers a range of helicopter services, including flight training, private charters, and aerial work. Their flight training programs are led by experienced instructors, catering to individuals aiming to obtain a helicopter license or pursue a career in aviation. GLMA's charter services provide efficient private flights to various destinations, while their aerial work encompasses tasks such as spraying, external load operations, surveying, and aerial photography.
Operating from the Sault Ste. Marie Airport (CYAM), GLMA collaborates with Great Lakes Helicopter Corporation, a Transport Canada-approved Air Carrier and Flight Training Unit. This partnership ensures certified aircraft and professional personnel for all operations. GLMA is affiliated with the Missanabie Cree First Nation, reflecting a commitment to Indigenous-led initiatives in aviation.
The Missanabie Cree First Nation, part of the Omushkego Cree people, has a deep-rooted history in the regions surrounding Missinaibi Lake, Dog Lake, and Wabatongushi Lake. Despite being signatories to Treaty 9 in 1906, they were not allocated reserve lands as promised, leading to over a century without a land base. This absence, coupled with the establishment of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, disrupted their traditional hunting and fishing practices, prompting many to relocate across Canada in search of economic opportunities. In 1993, the Missanabie Cree First Nation filed a Treaty Land Entitlement claim, asserting their right to land under Treaty 9. After prolonged negotiations, they secured a 15-square-mile land transfer from the Ontario government in 2011, which was officially designated as a reserve in 2018. Additionally, they negotiated a significant compensation package from the Canadian government for the loss of use of their traditional lands.
Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the Missanabie Cree First Nation envisions a self-governing community rooted in their ancestral lands. Their vision emphasizes open and trustworthy leadership, cultural preservation, and sustainable stewardship of the environment. They aspire to establish institutions that reflect their traditions and values, fostering a community where individuals and families can thrive spiritually, culturally, and economically. As members of the Mushkegowuk Council and affiliates of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, they continue to work towards reclaiming their rightful place in society and ensuring the well-being of future generations.