The First Nations Technology Council Welcomes New CEO

Natiea Vinson to lead the organization as it scales up to continue delivering unique digital skills programming for Indigenous people in BC, realizing digital equity, and transforming the tech ecosystem.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2023 

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – The First Nations Technology Council, an Indigenous-led non-profit that serves all First Nations across British Columbia, announced Natiea Vinson as the new Chief Executive Officer. Vinson will guide the organization and its mandates into the future.

“The Technology Council’s Board of Directors and staff are truly thrilled to welcome Natiea Vinson to the organization.” said Ryan Day, Board President. “Vinson’s wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to learning will surely guide the organization well into the future. We are grateful to have found a new leader that is heart-centred, service driven, innovative and embodies the values of the Technology Council.”

Vinson, a member of Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, has more than 10 years of experience in working with educational institutions, Indigenous-led organizations, and non-profits at the provincial and national levels. She has held several senior positions at Indigenous-led organizations, including as the Director of Programs at the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business and as the Founder of Makook, an Indigenous content discovery service.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Technology Council in the role of Chief Executive Officer. My journey here has been exciting and rewarding and I know this next step will be one of impact,” said Vinson, CEO, First Nations Technology Council. “I am humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving and empowering First Nations communities across BC through digital technology. It is truly an honour to hold a role where my skills and passions can come together in service of Indigenous Peoples,” she concluded.

For over a decade, Vinson has worked across academia, social enterprise organizations and the public and private sectors to advocate for institutional innovation, reconciliation and Indigenous renewal. She has experience in UX, and designing educational programming, including at Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University where she was the Associate Director of Graduate Programs and a Visiting Lecturer. Recently, she led the creation of a province-wide digital education strategy for B.C. Children’s Hospital and is a Founding Partner of Coast Educational Development Research (Cedar), a consulting firm that specializes in the design and implementation of innovative programming for Indigenous communities.

The Technology Council has entered an unprecedented phase of growth as it scales up to meet the growing demands of First Nations communities across BC. Now, more than ever, digital equity needs to be moved forward to ensure First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, and title and treaty rights are recognized and upheld. We are excited to welcome Vinson to guide the organization in its next journey.

The First Nations Technology Council is mandated by First Nations leadership to provide digital skills training to Indigenous learners, realize digital equity, and ensure individuals, communities, and Nations play an active role in leading and shaping the future of the technology sector. Work is led by a team of talented Indigenous professionals and aspiring allies who specialize in education, engagement, thought and policy leadership, and research.

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For more information:

Megan Jordan, Director, Communications and Engagement
First Nations Technology Council
T 604.679.0095
E megan@technologycouncil.ca
W technologycouncil.ca