Cathy Press (L), Rosanne Casimir, and Jim Moroz (R) announcing the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship. (Image Credit: Kamloops Aiport)

By Victor Kaisar

New Scholarship

Kamloops Airport, BC Aviation Council launch new scholarship named after Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir

Jun 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — A new scholarship for Indigenous students who want to pursue an education that leads to a career in aviation or aerospace has been named after Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

The scholarship is a partnership between Kamloops Airport and the BC Aviation Council. It was unveiled on Monday (June 2), and it will be worth at least $2,000 each year, with money going to an Indigenous student who is pursuing an education in B.C. or the Yukon.

Eligible fields of study include pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, airport operations professionals, and analysts within the aviation industry. The scholarship will be offered starting next year, and its aimed at increasing Indigenous representation in the aviation sector.

“We are very pleased to participate in the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship, helping to advance careers in our industry by tapping into the talent here in our communities,” Kamloops Airport Managing Director Jim Moroz said, in a statement.

Cathy Press, the BC Aviation Council Chair, added the aviation and aerospace sector is facing an acute labour shortage.

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“To address these workforce challenges, we must broaden the talent pool and support underrepresented groups, especially Indigenous youth, women and students from smaller communities,” Press said. “This new scholarship is a key part of this effort.”

In a statement, Casimir said she is “deeply honoured” that the scholarship was named after her, adding it “reflects a growing recognition of the importance of Indigenous leadership and participation in the future of aviation and aerospace.”

“By supporting Indigenous students in pursuing careers in this vital sector, we are investing in a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future,” Casimir said.

“This scholarship is not only a tribute to the legacy of leadership it is a commitment to empowering the next generation of Indigenous professionals, and ensuring that our voices, skills, and values continue to shape the skies above us.”

Indigenous students will be able to apply for this and other scholarships on the B.C. Aviation Council website between Jan. 15 and April 30 each year.