The pilot killed when a helicopter came down near Behchokǫ̀ this week was working on a tree planting project, the Tłı̨chǫ Government has confirmed.
In a Thursday statement mourning the loss of the pilot in Monday’s incident, the Tłı̨chǫ Government did not name the person involved but said they had been “supporting the reforestation operations in the Tłı̨chǫ region.”
The Tłı̨chǫ Government is part of a project to plant 1.4 million trees on Tłı̨chǫ land this year, increasing to 13 million trees over six years. A ceremony celebrating the launch of that project had taken place in Behchoko just last Saturday.
Some of the work associated with the project involves helicopters, for example accessing areas for planting that are otherwise difficult to reach.
The circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash remain unclear. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has opened an investigation.
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The helicopter was registered to Great Slave Helicopters, which is yet to comment.
In their Thursday statement, the Tłı̨chǫ Government and tree planting firm Spectrum Resource Group said they were “deeply saddened” by what had taken place and would take a “period of reflection and a pause to prioritize the health and safety of our entire project team.”
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the pilot’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
“We are proud of and grateful to the medical staff, tree planters, wildlife monitors, RCMP, and paramedics who responded swiftly and worked tirelessly in an effort to save the pilot’s life.”
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“This loss is felt deeply across our communities,” Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty was quoted as saying.
“We honour the courage and dedication of all those who responded, and we stand together in grief and gratitude as we continue this important work.”
Emily Blake contributed reporting.
