January 2, 2025
Growing up in War Lake First Nation northeast of Thompson, Manitoba, Desiree Charlton learned early on the vital importance of aviation for remote northern communities.
Her community was accessible only by train for most of the year. In winter, an ice road connected War Lake with Thompson, but when Desiree’s mom was diagnosed with epilepsy, neither of those options cut it when she needed access to life-saving care.
“When my mom would get sick, she would have to be flown out.”
Now, looking back, Desiree sees that her mom’s illness and the lack of easy access to healthcare played a big part in her decision to pursue an aviation career, but her grandfather was another source of inspiration.
He had dreamt of working in aviation when he was younger. When Desiree was weighing her career options, originally thinking she would study to be an auto mechanic, her grandfather told her to consider working on aircraft.
“I took that to heart and wanted to make him proud.”
While her grandfather’s dream quickly became hers, the journey to fulfilling that dream was not an easy one.
Hurdles
Throughout her childhood, Desiree lived between Winnipeg and War Lake First Nation, and after finally settling into a house on the reserve with her mother and sister, she had to leave once more to attend high school in Winnipeg.
In the city, her auntie took her in, but being away from her sister and mom was difficult. She felt very alone and started to struggle with her mental health.
“I withdrew myself a lot.”
Desiree said her auntie and cousins helped her get through grade nine, but she had a hard time finding motivation being so far from home. She had to decide between her community and school, eventually causing her to drop out and return to her mom and sister.
Determined to finish school, Desiree obtained her GED in 2021. Soon after graduating, she began studying at RRC Polytech in the Introduction to Trades program.
After completing the program, she took some time to spend with her husband and new baby. In 2023, she enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer diploma program, finally landing where she felt her life had always been guiding her.
Learning the trade
Desiree says studying aircraft maintenance engineering was full of excitement; she was hungry for knowledge and loved the hands-on practical training.
“You never get bored; there’s always something new”
Her classmates were a highlight of her time in school, and they made it easier to come in every day to sit through hours of theory.
But she was primarily motivated by her husband and kids (she has seven kids/step-kids total, and the youngest three live with her and her husband.) She would go home after class and proudly show them pictures of what she was learning.
“Every time I would tell them about something new I was doing, I could feel the excitement inside me.”
Desiree says she feels fulfilled by seeing an aircraft she was working on get scheduled for a flight and leave the hangar. “It makes me feel proud of myself. Even something as simple as knowing, ‘Oh, I changed that wheel.’”
Desiree also had the chance to compete in Skills Canada in the Aerospace Engineering category.
She was timed and tested on her newly gained knowledge, including a test to repair a structure using sheet metal. “I had a lot of fun doing that, and I placed third.”
Every new skill she develops motivates her to learn more.
“I’m excited to see what else I can do.”
She says her kids are now her main motivation for everything, and they are fascinated with her job. “They see my excitement, and they totally pick up on it.”
Desiree is also 16 hours into earning her Private Pilot License with Harv’s Air, and her kids are always asking if they can come flying with her.
She can’t take any passengers with her yet, but she can’t wait to take them for a ride in the future. Desiree will be passing on a legacy of love for aviation inspired by her grandfather.
Paving the way
As a kid, she had no role models to look up to working in aviation, “I didn’t know it was a possibility for me coming from such a small place.”
It is a career she never thought she could even consider. “To actually say that I’m an aircraft maintenance engineer is crazy to me.” But she is now paving the way for more women and Indigenous people in aviation, through her dedication and perseverance, she is showing that it is achievable.
Desiree is currently the only woman on the floor at her workplace and says although she loves her crew, she wishes she had someone to relate to, and it can be hard to fit in.
A 2018 report from the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace states women make up 30 per cent of the aviation workforce, while Indigenous people make up only three per cent.
From the bush pilots who fly into northern communities to the engineers fixing the aircraft that support them, Desiree feels strongly that Indigenous people should have more space in aviation because it is an essential service for their isolated communities.
Desiree would love to see more people like her fixing or flying aircraft. She believes if you’re interested in becoming an AME, be courageous, just start, and remember “there is no failing. Just keep going and fighting for it.”
Linked below are only a few of the many scholarships and awards available for those who want to pursue an aviation career.
For Indigenous students in aviation:
Indspire – Air Canada Indigenous Students Award
Babcock Canada Award for Indigenous Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Student
For Indigenous women in aviation:
Jazz Aviation & Northern Lights Bursary for Indigenous Women
For women in aviation:
Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship | Northern Lights Aero Foundation
For young aspiring aviation professionals:
STEM programming at the Royal Aviation Museum
Written by Georgia Dyck
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