Digital Skills Bursary Fund

The First Nations Technology Council is an Indigenous-led, innovative non-profit mandated by First Nations leadership in British Columbia. We work to advance digital literacy, improve internet connectivity and provide guidance on data and digital technology for all 204 First Nations across the province.

Grounded in our cultures, wisdom, and ways of being, our Indigenous-designed digital skills training courses empower Indigenous Peoples living in British Columbia to close the digital divide by offering courses from how to operate a computer to in-demand, career-ready certifications. To date, we've served over 1,700 Indigenous Peoples across the province and observed a 73% completion rate—35% higher than non-Indigenous programs among Indigenous Learners.

There are more than 120,000 jobs in British Columbia's tech sector, but less than 1% are held by people who identify as Indigenous. As technology increasingly shapes every industry, this disparity is reflected in the province's unemployment rates, with a 5.9% gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Digital skills training designed specifically for Indigenous Peoples is addressing this digital divide and ensures Indigenous Peoples and First Nations communities are not left behind. But not without your help.

Unfortunately, financial barriers are the most significant challenge preventing Indigenous Peoples from pursuing tech training opportunities, according to our recent labour market study. With your help, the Digital Skills Bursary Fund increases access to our digital skills courses. The need has never been so urgent.