Freddie the Flyer

A gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Fred Carmichael — the first Northern Indigenous commercial pilot — with each month of the year highlighting moments from his career, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams.

When Fred Carmichael was twelve years old, he saw a plane up close for the first time when it dropped off supplies in his remote community. With that one look, he was hooked.

Fred spent 60 years as a pilot, doing everything from supply runs to search and rescue to transporting dog teams to far-flung areas.

This book celebrates Fred's early dreams of flying and the things he later accomplished. Readers move with Fred through the year, with each month highlighting a moment on Fred's journey as a pilot. Art from Indigenous painter Audrea Wulf perfectly captures the incredible beauty of the North as well as Fred's love for aviation.

DANIELLE METCALFE-CHENAIL is a history-obsessed author who has researched and written aviation and reconciliation stories in Edmonton, the North and Houston, Texas. Her previous book for children, Alis the Aviator, was called "a plane fan's new best friend" by School Library Journal. Danielle now lives by the sea in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki (Canada) with her family. 

FRED CARMICHAEL has spent over 60 years in Northern aviation. He is well known in his community as an entrepreneur, mentor and search and rescue pilot. He is a Member of the Order of Canada, and the recipient of the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. A father of four, Fred lives in Inuvik with his wife Miki.

Artist AUDREA WULF was born and raised in Inuvik and resides in Northern British Columbia. She expresses her deep love for the North through her paintings.