8 January 2024

Vancouver, BC—APTN is set to premiere a new documentary series, Northern Air Rescue, offering viewers an immersive look into the operations of Missinippi Airways, a small First Nation-owned airline based in northern Manitoba. This docuseries explores the dynamic and demanding world of aviation, showcasing the challenges faced by the airline as it operates in some of the most unforgiving aviation conditions in the world.

Missinippi Airways is Canada’s fastest growing Indigenous airline, owned by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. In 2019, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation secured ownership of Grace Lake Airport through Missinippi Airways, making them the only First Nation to own and operate an airline and a certified airport in the country.

“Through engaging storytelling, the series highlights how the airline is breaking new ground in northern aviation and challenging industry norms, in the face of overwhelming odds,” says Carmen Henriquez, Northern Air Rescue producer and director. “Particularly noteworthy is the new generation of female pilots, contributing to a shift in the historically male-dominated aviation industry.”

Northern Air Rescue invites audiences to step into the daily lives of the real-life heroes at Missinippi Airways, as they work tirelessly to save lives, transport passengers, and keep their planes aloft. The half-hour episodes introduce viewers to a diverse team of pilots, paramedics, and ground crew who collaboratively address the unique needs of remote, fly-in-only communities in northern Manitoba.

Season one evolves through thirteen character-driven episodes, revealing the intricacies of Missinippi’s operations. The docuseries covers a spectrum of missions, from air ambulances to charters and cargo transport, illustrating the day-to-day challenges faced by the airline’s dedicated team. Viewers will gain insight into how the airline navigates through hostile weather conditions, overcomes mechanical breakdowns, and manages operations on gravel runways.

“Northern Air Rescue was filmed through pandemic conditions, which posed its own set of challenges,” says Denis Paquette, Northern Air Rescue producer and director. “Averaging over 30 emergency medevac flights per week into remote northern communities, Northern Air Rescue celebrates the resilience of people living in Northern Canada.”

Northern Air Rescue is available for viewing on APTN and APTN lumi, with the Cree version premiering on January 9, 2024 and the English version premiering on January 14, 2024.

National Schedule

Cree Version:

All Territories and Provinces North of 60 (Yukon to Labrador)

• January 9 – April 2, 2024, Tuesdays at 4:00pm CT
• January 11 – April 4, 2024, Thursdays at 1:30am CT

English Version:

British Columbia to Manitoba (MT)

• January 14 – April 7, 2024, Sundays at 7:00pm MT
• January 16 – April 9, 2024, Tuesdays at 4:00am MT
• January 21 – April 14, 2024, Sundays at 1:00pm MT

Ontario to Newfoundland (ET)

• January 14 – April 7, 2024, Sundays at 7:00pm ET
• January 16 – April 9, 2024, Tuesdays at 4:00am ET
• January 21 – April 14, 2024, Sundays at 1:00pm ET

HD Channel

• January 14 – April 7, 2024, Sundays at 7:00pm ET
• January 20 – April 13, 2024, Saturdays at 1:30am ET
• January 21 – April 14, 2024, Sundays at 1:00pm ET

All Territories and Provinces North of 60 (CT, Yukon to Labrador)

• January 21  – April 14, 2024, Sundays at 1:00pm CT

About RealWorld Films | https://realworldmedia.tv/
RealWorld Films is a Vancouver based documentary production company. Led by filmmakers Carmen Henríquez and Denis Paquette, RealWorld produces an international slate of character driven docuseries and features for TV, Web, and theatrical distribution.