Boyd Benjamin - [ windspeaker confidential ]

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
Boyd Benjamin: Maturity; someone who can deal with life's troubles with respect and humility.
W: What is it that really makes you mad?
B.B.: When people sell themselves short and prematurely disqualify their chance for opportunity.
W: When are you at your happiest?
B.B.: Either when I play my fiddle at an old-time dance, when I'm able to see the good and positive things that sometimes don't always seem to be apparent, or, when I'm flying and I can see the world in a different way.
W: What one word best describes you when you are at your worst?
B.B.: Humble. Determined and strong. Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself when to step down and accept life as it's been given to you.
W: What one person do you most admire and why?
B.B.: I really admire my grandmother Martha Benjamin. She was the Canadian National Champion of Cross Country Skiing in 1963 and since was inducted into the Yukon Hall of Fame for sports, one among many other achievements. To this day, she still remains humble and dedicated to her teachings and is the strongest person I've ever known. She always reminds me when to keep my head up and always stay focused on my life."
W: What is the most difficult thing you've ever had to do?
B.B.: I sometimes find it very hard to stay calm and keep focused on life in the moment, while being tested and challenged under difficult and arduous conditions; in the meantime, staying focused and maintaining a positive mental attitude."
W: What is your greatest accomplishment?
B.B.: To know that I took my childhood dream of becoming a pilot and made it a reality, regardless of cost and sacrifices. While trying to make sure my life is free of distress, I show an example of what is possible when you give yourself no boundaries. Being recognized on the stage of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards and accepting an award on behalf of all Aboriginal youth cannot be explained in words to do justice to what it actually means.
W: What one goal remains out of reach?
B.B.: One day I would like to have somewhere I can call home. Somewhere where I can have a more stable life and take time to enjoy the simple things."
W: If you couldn't do what you're doing today, what would you be doing?
B.B.: Probably working on my music. It's something I've always wanted to do but just can't find the time to do it. I have so many dreams and aspirations for music that I want to fulfill, but right now isn't the right time."
W: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
B.B.: When I was 12 years old, someone once told me, 'don't ever give up hope.' To this day I remember that like it was the last thing anyone has ever said to me. It's the one thing that I can count on when nothing else works."
W: Did you take it?
B.B.: Of course. Even when I can't be strong, all I have to do is feel those words and what I felt when I was a boy. It brings back such comfort."
W: How do you hope to be remembered?
B.B.: By the way I see things in a positive way; through my music and work in the communities, to be able to help people to feel good about themselves and laugh. And at the very least, don't stop trying.

Boyd Benjamin, of the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation in Old Crow, Yukon, can fiddle, jig, cook, and fly, not necessarily all at the same time.
When he was a young boy he would watch from his bedroom window planes take off and land. He dreamed of one day piloting his own plane, flying over his town and looking down at his childhood home from the sky.
After graduating from high school, Boyd began his journey into aviation by working as a ramp attendant for Air North Airlines. While marshaling and refueling aircrafts and handling baggage and cargo, Boyd managed to complete his first training flight and then, within five weeks, he completed his private pilot license.
As his dream was becoming a reality, Boyd began applying to aviation schools and seeking funding from his band. There was no precedent or policy in place for this type of training, so Boyd had to work closely with the band office, as they learned together how to sponsor a First Nations student for pilot training.
Their efforts paid off. In 2001, Boyd was the first member of the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation to be accepted into the First Nation Technical Institute in Deseronto, Ont. to train as a pilot.
After a successful year of pilot training, Boyd received a scholarship to the renowned aviation program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. With his aviation diploma in hand, he returned to Whitehorse, Yukon to train as a flight attendant with Air North, and then furthered his piloting skills with a commercial helicopter pilot license.
Today, Boyd pilots for Alkan Air in Whitehorse, flying a number of aircraft, including the Cessna 172, 206, Shorts Skyvan and King Air 200/300 (medivacs).
After he obtained his Commercial Helicopter Pilot License, he worked in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, flying around the Sahtu/Mackenzie Delta region.
He works full time as a bush/medivac pilot, but on the side he teaches students how to play the fiddle, either in private lessons or in a group. He's traveled to many communities to attend workshops on climate change and traditional law and justice.