By Bob Goulais, EAA 1509922
It is a genuine pleasure to be a part of the greatest spectacle in aviation — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Without a doubt, it is the highlight of many an aviator’s journey. To comply with the instruction “rock your wings” and hear those words “welcome to Oshkosh” is always so satisfying.
My journey to this place is rather unique, and it has a perspective that doesn’t usually grace the pages of aviation magazines or AirVenture Today. It has a lot to do with being a pilot. But it also has a connection to my culture.
My wife and are both Indigenous people. I am Anishinaabe. You might know of us locally as the Ojibwe, Chippewa, or Potawatomi nations. Oshkosh is in the south-central part of our traditional territory, which includes much of Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of southern Manitoba.
So on behalf of our nation — “Aanii-Boozhoo, kina. Biindigen Anishinaabe aki noongoom.” Greetings, everyone, and welcome to Anishinaabe territory today!
This part of Wisconsin is also shared with the Oneida, Mohican, and our cousins the Ho-Chunk nation. Collectively, the First Nations people have been stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial.
My wife Deborah’s homelands are a little farther away. She is Mi’gmaq from northern New Brunswick on the east coast of Canada.
How does this tie into aviation? In the teachings of our traditional society, I am of the Bald Eagle clan. Our clan is not only our family, but our spirit animal and guide. Migizi (bald eagle) is the raptor that flies the highest in Creation. It is no wonder why it is also a proud symbol of the American nation. So at an early age, I had a spiritual connection to the Sky World, the realm of the highest flying birds, the clouds and a tangible connection to the Spirit World.
Long ago, I made the decision to be a pilot. But it wasn’t until I worked my way out of my home reserve, called Nipissing First Nation, that I had the wherewithal to follow through with that dream in my mid-40s.
I finally obtained my private pilot certificate in 2018. Since then, I’ve flown with my eagle-brethren in our 1981 Mooney M20J 201 based at Waterloo, Ontario (CYKF). Incidentally, we’ve nicknamed her the Blue Jay as she is sky blue in color.
We have been blessed to see the proud colors of your various states, as well as Old Glory waving proudly across the North 40. We’ve also seen many other banners and flags in our neighborhood (shout-out to the “Pirates” across the way). Someday, we’ll sacrifice some of our useful load to bring along a flagpole and the flags of the Three Fires Confederacy and Mi’gmaq Grand Council to wave proudly in the warm winds, sunshine, and occasional squalls here in the Midwest.
Year after year, our experience here at AirVenture has been nothing short of magical. Much of it comes from the pilot community who exude the traditional Anishinaabe values of mnaadendamowin (respect) and gzhewaadziwin (kindness) toward each other and these grounds around us. This reinforces that collective spirit we all share as aviators and enthusiasts from our diverse nations across Turtle Island (North America) and from around the world.