Drone technology has demonstrated its immense potential across various sectors, with First Nation communities and Indigenous businesses taking the lead. Our recent experiences during the summer have highlighted the enthusiastic embrace of drones by these communities for a wide range of purposes, including land conservation, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation.
For those dedicated to land stewardship and preservation, drones have emerged as game-changing tools. Their rise coincides with urgent global challenges such as climate change, forest fires, and cultural preservation, underscoring the need for communities to proactively adapt and stay ahead.
Nevertheless, unlocking the full potential of drones comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for remote communities. As they embark on this technological journey, community leaders are confronted with the task of identifying and training potential drone pilots. Often, these emerging enthusiasts come from within the community, whether they are part of departmental teams or local youth who are driven by their cultural passion and the allure of this burgeoning field.
At Candrone, we have meticulously designed a comprehensive program to guide individuals through the intricacies of drone piloting. Our Online Ground School Program serves as a foundational training cornerstone, but we acknowledge the critical importance of hands-on, on-site support to kickstart new initiatives.
This summer, our Candrone Flight Instructors, well-versed in the unique challenges of remote areas, embarked on extensive journeys to reach students in various directions. These students underwent rigorous flight training and certification by our Transport Canada-accredited Flight Reviewers. Prior to our arrival, they had access to 16 hours of online coursework, covering both fundamental and advanced drone piloting concepts. The entire experience was not only educational but also immensely enjoyable.
These newly-trained pilots are now positioned to be catalysts for change, leveraging their skills to create job opportunities, promote sustainability, and contribute to environmental conservation within their communities.
- Guardians
Indigenous communities often inhabit ecologically diverse regions, intimately intertwined with the natural world. Drones have emerged as invaluable allies in their efforts to monitor and safeguard their environments. Whether it's tracking wildlife or identifying lichen patches, drones empower the Guardians to swiftly survey vast areas of land without venturing into treacherous and sometimes perilous terrain, mitigating risks such as encounters with wildlife.
- Cultural Preservation
Preserving cultural heritage stands as a paramount objective for Indigenous communities. Drones offer an extraordinary avenue for documenting and celebrating their cultural practices and ancestral lands. Through high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR technology, Indigenous communities can document sacred sites and archaeologically significant locations. During one of our on-site training sessions, we were privileged to have access to a site bearing dinosaur footprints. Utilizing LiDAR and photogrammetry, the Guardians were able to construct a digital replica of the environment, facilitating further studies and cultural preservation efforts.
- Land Management and Planning
Drones have revolutionized land surveying and mapping applications. These aerial tools play a pivotal role in documenting land boundaries, land use, and historical occupation. Indigenous communities harness drone technology to create highly detailed, up-to-date maps of their territories, guiding their land management strategies. With wildfires being a prevalent concern, especially in regions teeming with nature, these maps serve as essential assets for emergency and disaster planning. Providing emergency responders with accurate information on land parcels, evacuation routes, and other critical details, these maps contribute to enhanced safety and resilience. Taking a step into sustainability, they can use the LiDAR and mapping data to plan and implement solar farms into the community.
As we gear up for an even more dynamic year ahead, we invite you to connect with us for insights on how drones can benefit your community. Reach out to Mike Alexander at mike@candrone. Thank you for your continued support.
