Yellowhead Helicopters and Gitxsan Nation–Owned Companies Announce New Partnership
South Hazelton (January 19, 2026) - Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. (YHL) is pleased to announce a new partnership agreement with the Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) and Gitxsan Forests Inc. (GFI), Gitxsan Nation–owned companies working to create long-term economic opportunities for Gitxsan members within their traditional territory. This agreement supersedes previous arrangements and reflects a renewed commitment to a long-term, Indigenous-led partnership built on respect, collaboration, and shared opportunity within Gitxsan Territory.
This partnership takes place within Gitxsan Territory and reflects the Nation’s long-established connection to the land, while supporting sustainable economic development for present and future generations.
“Northern BC has proudly been home to Yellowhead Helicopters for over 50 years,” said Jacob Forman, CEO and Accountable Executive of YHL. “Working alongside Gitxsan-owned companies, whose people have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial, allows us to support communities responsibly and build collaborative, long-term aviation services together.”
Under the new agreement, YHL will provide helicopter charter services within Gitxsan Territory while operating from the Gitxsan-owned helicopter base in South Hazelton, British Columbia. The partnership supports resource development, infrastructure, emergency response, and broader aviation needs in the region, including aviation fuel resources, while prioritizing local participation, safe and specialized operations, and shared economic benefits for Gitxsan communities.
GDC leads broader economic and business development initiatives on behalf of the Gitxsan Nation, supporting long-term, Indigenous-led opportunities within Gitxsan Territory (Laxyip). Gitxsan Forests Inc. (GFI) manages forest-related activities within the Territory and owns the helicopter base in South Hazelton.
"At Gitxsan Development Corporation, we are the hub for new business and partnerships for the Gitxsan Nation," said Chaz Ware, COO of GDC. "Our goal is to make sure our people directly benefit from the big projects coming our way, like the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline. Our partnership with Yellowhead Helicopters is an example of the strong, shared ventures we're building for a prosperous future for the Gitxsan Nation."
Together, the parties look forward to building a collaborative, locally rooted approach to aviation services and aviation fuel resources in support of responsible operations and long-term community benefits across the Gitxsan Territory.
Contacts:
Charlie Mooney, Director of Corporate Development
charlie.mooney@yhl.ca
Karen Armstrong, Manager Sales & Contract Administration
karen.armstrong@yhl.ca
To view this announcement on the Yellowhead website, click here.