Iskwew Air and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners have announced a new investment partnership to help transform the aviation industry and increase access for communities in B.C.
With the support of Raven’s investment, Iskwew Air is set to expand its cargo, charter and passenger flights, according to a news release. This growth financing will help foster deeper connections and open new horizons for travelers, businesses and remote communities alike.
“Co-creating the conditions for Indigenous business to thrive is the most natural, swift, and effective pathway to economic reconciliation in our country. This flow of nutrients from Raven Capital Partners will move us from surviving to thriving,” said Teara Fraser, founder and CEO of Iskwew Air.
Fraser is a Métis bridge builder the first to start a 100 per cent Indigenous woman-owned airline in Canada.
“Raven is extremely proud to support the next phase of Iskwew Air’s growth and development, as it scales its offerings of passenger, cargo and charter services in a manner that both reflects, and expresses, the warrior spirit of its Founder,” said Stephen Nairne, chief investment officer at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.
In 2018, Iskwew Air received the blessing from Musqueam to operate on their traditional unceded territory and began chartered operations in October 2019. Iskwew Air is the only carrier providing scheduled flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Qualicum Beach.
— NEWS Staff
