Aklavik-born pilot, 89, receives award for book on aviation career

An NWT resident has received an award and cash prize of $5,000 for their picture book, Freddie the Flyer.

The Periodical Marketers of Canada’s Indigenous Literature Award is given to authors annually in two categories – adult and children’s – by a jury of Indigenous librarians.

Fred Carmichael, 89, who is from Aklavik and now lives in Inuvik, wrote a book that tells the story of his aviation career spanning more than six decades.

According to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, he became the first Indigenous person from the Arctic region to receive a private pilot’s licence in 1955.

His journey began even earlier, at the age of 10, when Carmichael touched an aircraft for the first time and started to develop what would become a passion for flying.

“Never give up on your dream. Anything is possible if you want it badly enough and are willing to work hard. Look for the people to help you along the way – they are out there,” Carmichael told Cabin Radio when asked to share his advice for younger people.

The book uses the months of the year as a narrative device, each shown in Gwich’in and Inuvialuktun. A glossary provides the pronunciation for each month.

Carmichael thanked co-author Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail as well as Audrea Loreen-Wulf, who helped illustrate the story. He said while he initially did not plan to write the book, Metcalfe-Chenail felt his story would inspire children, which changed his decision.

Asked what he intends to do with the prize money, he replied: “I’m going to share it with Danielle and Audrea.”