When he was ten years old, Freddie got to touch a plane for the first time. From then on, his heart has been in the air. This gorgeous picture book follows the months of the year as the reader learns all about Freddie’s career as a pilot. Each month, shown in the Gwich’in and Inuvialuktun languages, follows highlights from Freddie’s early life and throughout his career. A glossary shows the pronunciation of each month as well as it’s meaning to the Gwich’in and the Inuvialuit peoples.
Fred Carmichael is Gwich’in from Aklavik, NWT. He was the very first Indigenous commercial pilot from the Canadian Arctic. He has spent over 60 years in northern aviation and is a well-known entrepreneur, search and rescue pilot, and mentor. He is a member of the Order of Canada and the Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. He is an Inspire Award laureate. He lives in Inuvik.