Cayuse Native Solutions (CNS) launched a new line of service focused on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology to support tribal governments and tribal entities this spring. The tribally owned enterprise is partnering with DelMar Aerospace Corporation, and its subsidiary Volatus Group, to bring world class expertise and UAS technology to support tribal projects of all sizes.
CNS President Debra Croswell said UAS technology (commonly called drone technology) is used for many purposes, including mapping, aerial photos and videos, infrastructure inspections, natural resources data collection, search and rescue, disaster response, wildfire support, climate change initiatives, agriculture data, mapping, and more. They can also provide hands on training for those wanting to become a certified UAS operator.
The CNS drone team provided demonstrations of various UAS technology June 14-15 at the Tulalip Resort in northwestern Washington, in conjunction with the Northwest Tribal Clean Energy Summit. Tribal leaders and staff at the Summit watched the Cayuse team deploy a fixed wing drone, learned how the team uses a mobile command unit to aid in their work.
Croswell and DelMar Chief Executive Officer Stan Springer presented on a panel discussion at the Summit about drone technology and how it can support clean energy projects.
As part of its launch into the UAS industry, CNS recently hired its first certified UAS operator. Dazon Sigo joined the Cayuse team after successfully completing a four-week training course and passing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 exam to become a certified UAS operator.
"We're happy to welcome Dazon to our team. I appreciate his commitment to learn about the UAS industry and support our goal of helping tribes," said Croswell.
"Cayuse gave me an amazing opportunity to become a certified drone pilot and start working for them right away. Volatus has incredible instructors that gave me the confidence and support I needed to be successful," said Sigo, who is an enrolled citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and a 2019 graduate of Nixyaawii Community School.
Croswell is hopeful that Cayuse's new drone efforts will help open the door for other tribal members to start a career in the UAS industry. She notes that long-term goals are to partner with company owner, CTUIR, to expand workforce development initiatives focused on the UAS industry. She is available to discuss opportunities with other tribes interested in similar workforce development initiatives, including how CNS can train tribal staff and citizens to become UAS operators.
Cayuse Native Solutions is a subsidiary of Cayuse Holdings, a family of companies owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Cayuse Holdings employs more than 600 people who are stationed around the United States and overseas.
