Did you know that the Canadian mining industry directly employs more than 373,000 workers across the country in mineral extraction, smelting, fabrication and manufacturing, and indirectly employs an additional 190,000 in other related fields.

Mining is also the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal people in Canada on a proportional basis.

Here at ABQ we decided it was time to take a look at a few of those individuals with careers that are in some way connected to mining.

Eelow Ejetsiak was born and raised in Iqaluit. Unlike many pilots, his love of flying didn’t kick-in right away, however, he was already in the working world enjoying life as a heavy equipment operator when the bug really bit him.

Assigned to a Dew Line reclamation/site clean-up project at Resolute Island, Ejetsiak and his co-workers were regularly flown to and from the site by Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL). Those crew rotation flights grabbed his interest and he began pursuing his helicopter pilot’s licence. After achieving his VFR licence and training in Buttonville, Ont., he was hired on by CHL where his skills and professionalism were put to good use on projects around the country though primarily around Nunavut, NWT and Labrador. He has flown Bell and Airbus series helicopter types after achieving multiple aircraft type rating endorsements. 

“My favorite part of the job is having the opportunity to see and experience the beauty of seldom seen, remote locations across Canada, many of which are above the 60th parallel, which are all unique across the different landscapes from east to west,” he said, adding he also enjoys working with and meeting all kinds of people along the way as part of his job.

“No question, the most challenging part is dealing with the weather in particular in the Arctic, which is extreme and provides a very challenging environment for pilots.”

His career at CHL has even offered him the chance to work for many important and high profile customers in the North, including Baffinland Iron Mines at Mary River as well as conducting the Esso River Shuttle flights in Norman Wells. In 2010 he received his Bell 212 endorsement and pursued his IFR rating, which opened the door to his current position as an IFR Captain where he flies in support of the North Warning System, Rotary Wing Bulk Fuel Transfer and Supplemental Rotary Wing Airlift assignments.

He says  that his is a career other young Inuit should consider.

“If you have a passion to fly, don’t mind being away from home and travelling to many parts of the country all while having a variety of experiences, it could be for you,” he said.   

Within the CHL family, Ejetsiak is considered is a very important team member and his employer is proud to have him on board. CHL always looks to support industry and government sectors while also promoting positive socio-economic outcomes for the people living in the regions where they work.