Indigenous Friends

A huge shout-out to Wabusk Data Solutions, one of our IndigiTECH internship partners! 🩷

Since February of this year, Wabusk has welcomed three participants for 12-week paid internships, tailoring each experience to their interests and the projects their team is working on.

From creating graphics for an AI guidebook to supporting community engagement sessions, participants have had the chance to put their skills into practice, contribute to meaningful projects, and make professional connections.

Wabusk’s support goes beyond internships, too. Their team has joined two of our IndigiTECH cohorts as guest speakers, sharing their business journey and experiences with participants.

We’re grateful for the time, knowledge, and opportunities they’ve shared with our community! Thank you, Wabusk, for being part of our community!

Support our programs here: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/donate?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=2026-september&utm_id=support-september&utm_content=post-5

Check out the full story on our special newsletter that also dropped today here: https://mailchi.mp/indigenousfriends/national-indigenous-history-month-10157961

There’s a lot to learn beyond the curriculum here at IFA!

Throughout our programs, participants have opportunities to hear from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, speakers, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and other guests who bring their own knowledge, experiences, and perspectives into the conversation.

And no two conversations look quite the same! Different guests bring different experiences, teachings, and perspectives, with topics that can explore everything from technology and careers to culture, creativity, and personal journeys.

Participants have explored topics including:

💻 Cybersecurity and digital design
💰 Financial literacy
🧡 Bringing cultural values into the workplace
📊 Data sovereignty
🎨 Indigenous storytelling
💡 Entrepreneurship and the journey of a craft artisan
🌱 Life and career journeys

These conversations are also a chance to connect. They create a supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share their own perspectives, learn from others, and connect with Indigenous knowledge and experiences. Hearing about the different paths others have taken can also introduce new ideas, spark inspiration, and help participants see possibilities for their own careers, education, creative work, and what might come next.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to join us and share their knowledge, stories, and experiences with our participants. Each person brings something different, and we’re grateful for everything you share with us. ❤️

Your support helps us continue bringing opportunities like these into our programs at no cost to participants: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/donate?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=2026-september&utm_id=support-september&utm_content=post-4

We’re proud to partner with Maverick Gardner Pathways North Inc. to help create meaningful pathways from digital skills to career opportunities. Thank you for being a valued partner in supporting Indigenous learners and building opportunities together!

Real partnerships build real pathways. 🤝

At Pathways North, we're proud to work alongside Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) to turn digital skills into real, paid careers. IFA delivers hands-on digital literacy and foundational tech training that builds confidence and connection.

IFA's next cohort starts November 9th. Learn more at indigenousfriends.org.

We’re proud to share a few highlights from our programs over the past year, and we also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of it!

Looking back at our most recent Annual Report, covering April 2025 to March 2026, here are just a few of the numbers that stood out:

🎓 236 graduates across our programs, with 164 from IndigiTAL and 72 from IndigiTECH!

💬 50 alumni support meetings to stay connected with participants beyond the program.

📈 24% more participants joined IndigiTECH Cohort 7, allowing us to welcome even more learners into the program.

💻 82.8% of participants were already reporting improved technical skills by week 3.

❤️ 37 mentors shared their time and knowledge through workshops, mentorship circles, and one-on-one support.

There are a lot of people behind these numbers. From the participants who showed up ready to learn, to the mentors who shared their time and knowledge, our staff, partners, donors, and everyone who supported IFA throughout the year, thank you for being part of it.

We’re excited to see what another year of learning brings!

If you’d like to help us continue offering our programs for free to Indigenous participants across Canada, you can support our programs here: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/corporate-giving?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=2026-september&utm_id=support-today&utm_content=post-3

What does learning with IFA actually look like?

Our programs offer more than digital skills. Participants have access to the tools, people, and supports that help them take part and get the most from their experience.

Through our programs, participants can access:
💻 Digital skills, coding & technology education
🎨 Digital art & creative learning
💬 Indigenous mentors & guest speakers
👥 Opportunities to learn and connect with others
🤝 Hands-on projects & real-world skills
💼 Paid internship opportunities through IndigiTECH

And support along the way, including:
❤️ Childcare support
🥗 Nutrition support
💻 Technology needed to participate
👥 Staff support throughout the program

All of this is offered at no cost to participants.

Want to learn with us? Explore our IndigiTECH program and sign up for an info session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigitech-cohort-10-information-session-program-start-november-09-2026-tickets-1997155165863?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawUHtGZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTU3SlBrTEUzWlVRM0xHclpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSVSGmfG-ZZlP1zEaX7iJv_Br6vXloj2_KsPqhSEh9gCfW7sPEImwpjU1Rd8_aem_TBfaXoJG7CzG2zUrNlQ8QQ

Want to help us keep it that way? Your support helps us continue providing the education, tools, and participant supports that make these opportunities accessible: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/donate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=2026&utm_id=september&utm_term=2

As the seasons change this September, we invite you to join our community! 🍂

This month, we’ll be sharing more about our programs, answering some of the questions you might have, and showing you exactly what your support helps us keep running.

More than 1,000 participants have taken part so far, and we’re continuing to grow.
Whether you’re looking to build your own skills or help keep these opportunities free for others, there’s a place for you here.

Support our programs: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/donate?utm_source=meta-p1&utm_campaign=2026&utm_id=support-september

or

Come learn with us: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigitech-cohort-10-information-session-program-start-november-09-2026-tickets-1997155165863?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawUCyQBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWdkMDRSUXRuZnJxaGZzQ3JzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGywppzobj7psTRQL23NOaTSRuHoxWE-_qACfFtb7CJQlu3_mmB57L_QOlyo_aem_cFJZGmZugNx-Ym0p5mh2OA

Get ready for IndigiTECH Cohort 10 Info Sessions!

Are you a FNMI youth, early-career professional, innovator, creator, or community member aged 16+ residing in Canada and interested in advancing your digital, entrepreneurial, and professional skills?

Join us for one of our upcoming info sessions, happening every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to learn more about IndigiTECH Cohort 10 and hear about the next steps to join the program.

Choose the session that works best for you! Eventbrite link in our bio and below.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigitech-cohort-10-information-session-program-start-november-09-2026-tickets-1997155165863?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come learn, connect, and take the next step in your digital journey with IndigiTECH!

Register for IndigiTECH Cohort 10 Info Sessions today!

Join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to learn more about the program, what to expect, and how to get started.

Register through the link in our bio or the Eventbrite link below!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigitech-cohort-10-information-session-program-start-november-09-2026-tickets-1997155165863?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ready to grow your digital skills?

Join us for an IndigiTECH Cohort 10 Info Session and learn more about our free, 28-week virtual mentorship program for FNMI youth, professionals, innovators, creators, and community members aged 16+ across Canada.

Starting November 9, 2026, Cohort 10 offers mentorship, digital skills training, professional development, networking, and culturally grounded support to help you take your next step in tech, entrepreneurship, or creative digital industries.

Interested? Register for an Info Session today!
Link in bio and below

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigitech-cohort-10-information-session-program-start-november-09-2026-tickets-1997155165863?aff=oddtdtcreator

IndigiTECH Cohort 10 Info Sessions are now open!

Starting November 9, 2026, the IndigiTECH Mentorship Program is a virtual, community-centred initiative designed to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNMI) innovators, creators, and future technology leaders across Canada as they build digital, entrepreneurial, and professional skills.

Curious to learn more about the program, what’s included, and how to get involved?
Click the link in our bio to sign up for an info session today!