Feature Image: Courtesy of Iskwew Air, photo by Jeffrey Bosdet
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Unceded Territory / Richmond, BC — Iskwew Air and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners are excited to announce a new investment partnership to help transform the aviation industry and increase access for communities in B.C.
With the support of Raven’s investment, Iskwew Air is set to expand its cargo, charter and passenger flights. This growth financing will help foster deeper connections and open new horizons for travelers, businesses and remote communities alike.
“Co-creating the conditions for Indigenous business to thrive is the most natural, swift, and effective pathway to economic reconciliation in our country. This flow of nutrients from Raven Capital Partners will move us from surviving to thriving,” said Teara Fraser, Founder and CEO of Iskwew Air.
“Raven is extremely proud to support the next phase of Iskwew Air’s growth and development, as it scales its offerings of passenger, cargo and charter services in a manner that both reflects, and expresses, the warrior spirit of its Founder,” said Stephen Nairne, Chief Investment Officer at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.
“It has been a privilege to support Iskwew Air from the beginning to share their financial story with authenticity. What the founder has achieved to date on her own terms is a testament to her resilience and wisdom,” said Tania Lo, Co-CEO of Tandem Innovation Group and CFO at Iskwew Air.
“With nutrients comes growth – and today marks the growth of our Piper Navajo fleet as we welcome our latest aircraft, Baby Bison to Iskwew Air through ceremony and celebration,” said Kiana Hill, Operations Lead at Iskwew Air.
About Iskwew Air
In 2018, Iskwew Air received the blessing from Musqueam to operate on their traditional unceded territory and began chartered operations in October 2019. Iskwew Air is the only carrier providing scheduled flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.
Teara is a Métis bridge builder, the first to start a 100% Indigenous woman-owned airline in Canada. Iskwew Air’s vision is to connect people with each other and to the land. Iskwew Air (pronounced ISS-KWAY-YO) is a bridge between traditional air transportation and the sustainable transportation of the future. Together in this innovative space we will rematriate, reimagine, and rebuild our air transportation system – centering equity and sustainability.
About Raven Indigenous Capital Partners
Established in 2018, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is an Indigenous-led and owned investment firm headquartered in Vancouver. Raven works in partnership with Indigenous businesses to accelerate their success by providing access to capital and support within an Indigenous cultural framework. Ultimately, Raven aims to achieve a positive and lasting impact on the Indigenous economy.
About Tandem Innovation Group
Established in 2017, Tandem Innovation Group believes that growing businesses need co-creators, not just management consultants, to navigate the complexities of scaling. Specializing in Finance & Accounting, Operations, and People & Culture, Tandem partners with purpose-driven businesses to develop the strategies, systems, capacity, and culture required to achieve new levels of profitability, impact, and wellbeing.
