Dreams to fly

My brother, Alden Moskotaywenene, completed his training to obtain an Instrument Flight Rules rating from Regina Flying Club this April 2009. I recall Alden mentioning a particular time in his childhood that left a great impression and made an indelible imprint when a pilot took the time to talk to him and feed his curiosity of planes and fl ying. Although not a sole reason, this experience played a part in stirring his dream to become a pilot.

I’m very close with my younger brother and I can honestly say he took quiet unassuming steps toward his goal of being an airline pilot, nor did he want to fail. I saw his natural talents and love for aviation, but know for a fact that love isn’t enough to succeed. It takes hard work, studying and years of sacrifice.

One sacrifice was not being able to be with family, which ironically was also a source of motivation and drive for his success. It took time, sometimes due to circumstances and barriers beyond his control, but perseverance led to accomplishment. He is now a fully licensed airline pilot.

Alden is 28 years old and was born in Winnipeg, Man. He grew up in Bearskin Lake, Ont., which our Elders call Michikan Lake. Alden’s parents made the decision to move to Red Lake during the early part of his formative years in elementary school so that a speech impediment of stuttering could be diagnosed, which took several years to treat. The family moved back to Michikan Lake during the latter stages of Alden’s elementary school. He attended Pelican Falls for senior high school where he graduated in 1999.

Alden Moskotaywenene

Alden enrolled and graduated from Confederation College pre-technology program in Thunder Bay, Ony. In 2004, Alden began the aviation diploma program at First Nations Technical Institute in Tyendinaga, Ont. In 2006 Alden officially graduated from the academic and commercial pilot licence program, obtaining a joint FNTI / Canadore College Diploma.

He continued his advanced flight training and ground school for a short period at Canadore in North Bay. However, a difficult decision was made to find a location more convenient so there was less strain on his family.

Moreover, it was felt another aviation centre would be more suited to provide regular and reliable flight training. After a long period of research, saving and obtaining funds Alden relocated to Regina, Sask., where he started and completed the instrument flight rules training at the Regina Flying Club.

So that is how it’s been for my brother Alden, who dreamt of flying as a child and making every possible effort as a responsible young man to accomplish his goal into reality. I can picture our late mom, Rubina Moskotaywenene, being apprehensive in her boy setting his sights to be a career pilot – but resolved and proud knowing that her son chose an honourable profession. Our dad, Jepita Moskotaywenene, continues to be the greatest inspiration and your biggest – not necessarily the loudest – fan.