Dream it. Design it. Do it.
That was the takeaway message from the fantastic event I attended this afternoon. In celebration of International Women’s Day, I was invited to a panel discussion with Teara Fraser, Founder & CEO, Iskwew Air, publically recognized as the first Indigenous woman to own an airline.
Terea was named one of Canada’s “Top Women of Influence” and recently appeared on the 2021 Maclean’s Power list. As a proud Metis woman who’s overcome several obstacles in her mission to defeat systematic oppression, I’m convinced this was a pinnacle event for IWD 2021.
Hosted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association, the event took place via Zoom on Wednesday March 10th at 1:00 pm EST. Since this was an internal work event I cannot provide a specific link to the event description, but I can show you where to learn more about this fascinating woman.
I was inspired to attend an event like this not only because I feel very connected to the celebration of International Women’s Day, but because I admit I feel very ignorant when it comes to understanding Indigenous culture in general, let alone the specific struggles that face Indigenous women. They have had to overcome such a tremendous amount of suffering, so engaging in the presence of one Metis woman who rose to the top despite all obstacles was something I knew I had to be a part of.
In addition to the burst of beautiful energy that radiated through the screen, hearing Teara’s origin story was enough to inspire, in and of itself. Born in the Northwest Territories and becoming a mother of two at the tender age of 21, Teara described how she found herself cross-legged in the wellness corner of a local book store at the age of 30, desperately seeking inspiration for how to live her life. She wanted to prove to her children that she could envision a dream – some bigger purpose for her life, and with the right attitude and determination, she could make that dream come true.
She discovered her passion for aviation on a trip to Africa where she experienced her first flight in a small plane. Watching the pilots in action, she knew that’s what she wanted to do. In less than a year, she obtained her commercial pilot’s licence, and it was during the 2010 winter Olympics that she first sparked the idea to establish an airline that could support Indigenous tourism by providing access to small, remote First Nations communities in British Columbia. Nine years later she turned her dream into a reality, officially launching Iskwew Air in Vancouver on International Women’s Day in 2019. Iskwew (pronounced IS-KWAY-YO) is a Cree word for woman, and was chosen to celebrate the first Indigenous woman owned airline, all women and all those who lift women.
As she spoke eloquently and softly into the camera, Teara wore a large pink button on her blazer with the word “LOVE” in big capital letters. “Love belongs everywhere,” she told the group, and I welled up in appreciation for a woman who still holds love in her heart, despite the hate that surrounds her everyday. I think so many women feel like they need to compartmentalize their tender side: box up and shut down their emotions in order to stand out in a male-dominated crowd. But it was so refreshing to see Teara embracing love as an answer – not a hindrance – to her success, power and influence.
After she told her story, I decided to ask Teara a question in reference to one of her talking points – the “Letting Go” Ceremonies, as I was curious exactly what these practices entailed. She explained that the Letting Go ceremonies are exactly that – a practice, something to be worked and reworked until it becomes intuitive. She explained they start with being honest, brave, and connected with yourself about the things that no longer serve you. She said once you can authentically observe these things, you must acknowledge them, honour them, and then just let them go. A powerful art that I think many women could practice more often.
Finishing up her discussion, Teara posed the questions: How are you normalizing practices of collective belonging in your community? How are you liberating racial, social and economic justice? How are you uplifting Indigenous women’s voices of wisdom and sovereignty? These questions really made me think and reflect on my own practices, and felt very fitting with the theme of this year’s IWD: #Choosetochallenge.
Change is a choice. It does not happen by accident. We must challenge these systemic issues and barriers that still limit women around the world. I feel privileged to have heard Teara’s genuine words of wisdom. I feel like I’ve opened the door to my much-needed education about Indigenous culture, and indeed foresee many events like this in my future.
Algonquin College Social Media Certificate Program 