The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is pleased to announce that it has received a US$500,000 investment from Boeing, under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits framework, in support of the Institute’s mandate to provide skills development training to the next generation of the Aboriginal workforce.

Riel Bellegarde, CEO/President of SIIT

“We are grateful to Boeing for its continued support of our institute and its ongoing commitment to helping prepare today’s students with the skills they need to advance their careers,” said Riel Bellegarde, CEO/President of SIIT. “With technology being the new platform on which we communicate and connect, Boeing’s investment in SIIT’s information technology infrastructure improvements is ultimately of great benefit to our learners.”

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“This donation is an investment in the future of these students at SIIT,” said Roger Schallom, senior manager for Boeing’s International Strategic Partnerships organization. “Their success will give them the skills and confidence they need to make a positive contribution to their employers, the economy and their communities – positioning them as true role models for the next generation of Aboriginal youth.”

Boeing has made significant investments over the years to SIIT programming and training tools, as well as being an initial contributor to the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Center (SALC) in Saskatoon. The Saskatoon facility is the primary location of SIIT’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program, which trains learners to maintain, repair, and overhaul aircraft, ensuring that aircraft meet Transport Canada’s standard of safety and performance.

Through its Defense, Space & Security unit, Boeing is the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.