Top image created by program participants, Jewel Johnstone and Latisha Hailstone, 2023
Southeast Resource Development Council Corp. (SERDC), Future Skills Centre and ID Fusion have come together to create a program that is set to grow Indigenous ICT capacity with a vision to build a self-sustained Information & Communications Technology (ICT) industry for communities across Canada.
The technology Industry has seen a lack of representation when it comes to Indigenous communities in Canada, as their potential to add to the sector has not yet been encouraged in the truest sense. Investing in the industry’s development and building on ICT capacity is a way to tap into talent and innovation while also empowering Indigenous peoples.
Recent studies demonstrate that only 1.2% of the country’s ICT population is Indigenous (Source: The Information and Communications Technology Council). Factors like low access to technology and the internet also limit their participation in the digital economy.
This program aims to change that. We can address these disparities by opening up a plethora of possibilities for these communities, leading to economic development and job creation.
The Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program is tailored to the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, and this is how a more sustainable and resilient technology sector is built. This program will also act as a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
You can be a part of this change. It’s time to get involved. Reach out to us for more information on how you can be part of this initiative.
Community
Benefits
- In-Community employment
- Transferable skills gained
- Local support
- Quicker response times/improved service
- Salaries stay in community
- Technology Transformation
- Participants become next generation of mentors
- Building Sustainability, Self Sufficiency, Efficiencies
- See the value in IT investments
Student
outcomes
- Successful Completion
- Accreditations
- Job ready
- Transferable Skills gained
- Real life work experience
- Higher earning potential
- Self-Confidence
- Self-Directed Learning
- Importance of social interactions
- Community contributors
- Employment in Community
- Community Mentor
Media
coverage
CTV NATIONAL
New program trains Indigenous IT specialists for First Nations communities
A new program is helping train Indigenous IT specialists for First Nations communities, widening the sphere of learning as connectivity grows in more remote locations.
Watch VideoSoutheast Resource Development Council Corp. Newsletter
SERDC Hosts Unique IT Training Program
We’re very excited to be delivering a new paid IT training program in three of our communities. This program provides a paid learning opportunity to six of our youth to become certified as IT technology workers.
Read MoreGrassroots News
ID Fusion delivering training with SERDC First Nations in Manitoba
A new program to train information technology workers on three Manitoba First Nations is creating excitement as a way to start addressing the underrepresentation of Indigenous workers in the IT sector.
Read MoreProject
successes
Webpage hero image
In this photo we wanted to incorporate indigenous culture with the technical aspect of this program in a way that the two different components can be perceived as one.
Refurbishing PC’s
Assembling components of hardware to create functioning PC’s that will be donated to community members.
Troubleshooting printers
Diagnosing common printer errors and problem-solving driver issues.
Next
steps
Simulating an organization
In order to create an environment to train our participants in Active Directory we are using donated equipment from the SERDC to replicate an organization. This allows for in-depth hands-on experience for managing users and data while also learning to resolve issues that technicians may encounter in the field.
Combining Culture and Technology
3D Printers for the Community and the Future.
AR/MR Remote Viewing
We will be using Augmented Reality headsets to provide remote assistance for identifying and resolving common technical issues. This would be like having an expert on-hand virtually which would eliminate the cost of transportation and increase access to senor IT technicians.
Get
involved
Communuities & Students
Your local areas need you. Get involved in the Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program and be at the forefront of developing the ICT industry.
The Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program is set to help communities across Canada develop self-sustained ICT capacity. You can be part of the change!
To bridge the digital divide between the technology industry and Indigenous communities, this is the right first step.
Top 3 reasons your community should get involved:
- Empower local students to become leaders in the technology industry.
- Create job opportunities for Indigenous people within their own communities, while also creating self-sustainable solutions.
- Promote cultural preservation through technology.
Top 3 benefits of this program for students:
- Get skilled in the technology Industry and acquire relevant knowledge.
- Increase employability and earning potential.
- Build a network of mentors and role models while also developing soft skills.
Your participation can help preserve and promote your culture and languages, and with the help of technology, this is the path to empowerment. Encourage students to become the leaders of tomorrow and create job opportunities for the greater good.
Reach out to us for more information on how you can be part of this wave!
Local Businesses & corporate partners
Does your purpose and vision include creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities across Canada? Here is your chance.
If you want to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities in Canada, you can do it by helping bridge the gap between the communities and the ICT sector. Be a part of the Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program.
This program gives students a real view into the ICT industry through work experience opportunities and internships. Building ICT capacity in these communities is a goal that can be achieved through proper training and industry skills that students will gain.
How will you benefit as a corporate partner?
- Positively impact the lives of Indigenous communities by disseminating valuable skills and career opportunities
- Contribute to the ICT workforce and industry in Canada
- Gain access to a pool of talented and skilled individuals, along with a network of other corporate partners and Indigenous communities
- Elevate your company’s reputation by doing social good
How will students benefit?
- Real-world skills and experience that help them get ready for the ICT industry
- Paid positions and internships, and a strong professional network
- Access to Industry professionals as mentors
Make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous students and communities by building the IT Industry with them. Take part in the Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program today.
Reach out to us for more information!
Funding Parners
This is an opportunity for you to invest in Indigenous communities and promote Canada’s overall economic growth.
If you want to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities in Canada, you can do it by helping bridge the gap between the communities and the ICT sector. Be a part of the Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program.
This program gives students a real view into the ICT industry through work experience opportunities and internships. Building ICT capacity in these communities is a goal that can be achieved through proper training and industry skills that students will gain.
How will you benefit as a corporate partner?
- Positively impact the lives of Indigenous communities by disseminating valuable skills and career opportunities
- Contribute to the ICT workforce and industry in Canada
- Gain access to a pool of talented and skilled individuals, along with a network of other corporate partners and Indigenous communities
- Elevate your company’s reputation by doing social good
How will students benefit?
- Real-world skills and experience that help them get ready for the ICT industry
- Paid positions and internships, and a strong professional network
- Access to Industry professionals as mentors
Make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous students and communities by building the IT Industry with them. Take part in the Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program today.
Reach out to us for more information!
Our
community
Partners
Black River First Nation
Black River First Nation is located at the banks of the O’Hanley and Black rivers along the east shore of Lake Winnipeg. The population is 1,023 on-reserve & 476 off-reserve. Black River is accessible by an all-weather road via PTH #304 and 4 km of municipal road. Our community’s economic base includes trapping, agricultural development, wild rice harvesting, hunting, and commercial fishing.
Additional InformationHOLLOW WATER FIRST NATION
Hollow Water First Nation is mainly known as Wanipigow, which in Cree means “hole in the water”. It is an Anishinaabe reservation located on Treaty 5 Land on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. The on-reserve population is 1600 and off-reserve is 500. Hollow Water is governed by a self-elected leadership of Chief & council. Our economic base includes fishing, hunting, and trapping. The CHCH and band office have provided various programs and teachings to bring our culture back into the community.
Additional InformationBROKENHEAD OJIBWAY
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is a First Nations Community located northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba on Hwy 59. Brokenhead has an on-reserve population of 801. Some of our businesses include: Brokenhead Community Store, Brokenhead Grocery and Pharmacy, Waver of Brokenhead, BON Entertainment Centre, and the South Beach Casino & Resort.
Additional InformationProgram
Partners
Hollow Water FN
Black River FN
Brokenhead FN
EAST Resource Centre
Contact
Winston Petrie
Program Manager, Indigenous Digital Innovation Mentorship Program
ID Fusion Software
winston@idfusion.com