Digital Skills Training
We do things differently. We work with Indigenous education specialists to create courses that are rooted in Indigenous wisdom, values, and ways of being. All of our courses provide cultural support provided by Knowledge Holders and create a safe space for learners.
35
%
higher completion rate than non-Indigenous programs
350
learners per year
is our goal
1700
+
learners trained
to-date
18
courses to choose from
75
%
of graduates are applying their skills in new ways
Connecting Indigenous Learners to a Digital Future
Today, technology weaves through nearly every aspect of our lives from work to education; culture and health; environmental stewardship; rights implementation; and more. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples used and advanced technology, but colonialism, and the systemic barriers it creates, excluded us from equitably participating and leading in the evolution of current technology.
We know that only 1.2% of Indigenous Peoples in what is currently known as Canada are employed in the tech sector. Meanwhile, the tech sector is growing at an astounding rate, and the edges of it are becoming less defined as other sectors become increasingly reliant on technology. This is why our digital skills training programs are so important.
Grounded in Indigenous culture, wisdom, and ways of being, our programs have a 35% higher completion rate among Indigenous learners than non-Indigenous training programs. We take a made-for-you approach to learning to ensure each individual feels safe, welcomed, and able to define what success looks like for themselves. Our life and career-ready training programs provide skills to ensure Indigenous Peoples can merge their knowledge, culture, and ways of being with leadership roles in technology to create change for current and future generations.
Indigenous-Designed and Led Learning
Informed by over a decade of work, we have built 18 Indigenous-designed technology training courses of varying levels and specialties. To date, we have served more than 1,700 Indigenous Peoples across BC and observed a 73% success rate with Indigenous learners graduating from their respective programs. We work with learners one-on-one to ensure their learning goals are met and create space for each individual to make their dreams about a future using technology and innovation become a reality.
"Because of the lack of jobs in my village I was forced to move away. I then discovered the First Nations Technology Council and was introduced to a career path. The structure of the curriculum made a lot of sense to me, and they brought in First Nations professionals who talked about the importance of having representation in technology to preserve our cultures. I have since been able to move home and am helping connect the Nisga’a Nation to fibre optic."
Leonard Samuel Cody Moore
Alumnus, Nisga’a Nation
Learn More
If you’re an Indigenous person living in BC 18+ or are curious about the programs we offer, visit the digital skills training section of our website.
Take a meaningful step toward reconciliation.
Our recent multi-year labour market study found that financial barriers are the most significant challenge preventing Indigenous learners from pursuing tech training opportunities. While tech companies do want to hire Indigenous innovators, they cite education, skills and experience, and availability of applicants as challenges to doing so If you would like to help us train more Indigenous learners, learn more about our Digital Skills Bursary Fund.
