Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Next Step in the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre Expansion

SASKATOON, SK – Today, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), in partnership with Boeing [NYSE: BA] and industry leaders, announced the official groundbreaking of the expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre (SALC). Formerly known as the Saskatoon Aviation Learning Centre, this facility is evolving into a province-wide hub for aviation training, increasing accessibility for Indigenous learners and students across Saskatchewan to pursue careers in the growing aerospace sector.

This milestone follows Boeing’s $17M CAD investment, announced last year, to support SIIT’s programs, services, and operations aimed at increasing training capacity for aircraft maintenance engineers. The groundbreaking event held in Saskatoon, brought together representatives from SIIT, Boeing, government officials, industry partners, and local community members to celebrate this transformative step forward.

“The expansion of the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre represents a major investment in workforce development and Indigenous representation in the aerospace industry,” said Riel Bellegarde, President & CEO, SIIT. “With the support of Boeing, this facility will play a crucial role in addressing the skilled labour shortage in aerospace while empowering Indigenous professionals with high-demand career opportunities.”

Boeing’s support for SIIT dates back to 2010, when the company first contributed to the establishment of SALC. This long-standing partnership continues to grow, with Boeing’s latest investment stemming from the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy linked to Canada’s procurement of the P-8A Poseidon as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project.

“With over a century of partnership with Canada’s aviation industry, Boeing recognizes the importance of training our sector’s future workforce,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. “We are proud that our $17 million ITB investment – stemming from Canada’s purchase of the P-8 – is supporting the expansion of SIIT’s Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre, enhancing opportunities for Indigenous learners and helping to address the skilled labour shortage in the aerospace sector.”

The newly expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre will feature modern classrooms, a specialized avionics lab, and hands-on training spaces designed to prepare students for careers in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. This initiative aligns with SIIT’s mission to provide high-

quality education and workforce training, driving economic growth and reconciliation through education.

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Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies was established in 1976 by Saskatchewan First Nations Chiefs representing all Treaty areas. Today, SIIT remains a First Nations-governed educational institution – and one of only four credit-granting post-secondary institutions in the province. SIIT provides adult learners with academic, vocational, and technical training, as well as services and supports for employment and career growth. Indigenous learners are at the core of SIIT, representing over 90 percent of the student body.

Contact

Advancement Department
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Phone: 306-649-1811
Email: advancement@siit.ca

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