b'EDUCATION & TRAININGWeve developed 12 weeks of full-time curriculum that blends both the technological soft skills and also Indigenous learnings and teachings through technology By the end of that [participants] have gained a foundational knowledgeKatelyn Bartlett, IndigiTECHBartlett says that its been tricky to navi- However, they are able to create enough gate managing a program of this lengthcontent throughout the program to put because of the commitment neededtogether a virtual portfolio and demon-on the mentee end. Weve found thatstrate some of the hireable skills that generally, with any long program, it takescompanies are seeking. Were able to a lot of communication and connectionnegotiate placements better through that throughout the entirety of that program toavenue of having our mentees portfolios really maintain our numbers and support mentees, she says. Weve also foundor resumes on hand, and our partnerships that the virtual space is something thatsteam goes out and makes in-person meet-new for a lot of folks. So we have beenings to live review mentees resumes with enhancing our pre-course soft skills andorganizations, says Bartlett. supporting mentees through that. TheIndigiTECHprogramisalso While some mentees come with a greatconnecting with different communities, wealth of knowledge around tech, othersElders and knowledge keepers, trying to have come into the program with littleinfuse digital arts and visual learning into understanding of the technologies beingthe initiative. Our mentees work closely used. Despite that, mentees are able to build their tech knowledge quickly,with our digital artist to build not only Bartlett says.design skills, says Bartlett, but also to interact with a variety of different knowl-TheprogramhasseenIndigenousedge keepers surrounding land-based peoples sign up from coast to coast,learning, community connections, and largely in southern communities, andthat aspect of mentorship. outreach is being extended to reach more people in Canadas northern communi- IndigiTECH, PLATO and FPDI are just ties. Not only is the program attractingthree groups or businesses involved in young people, but also many individualstraining Indigenous people in the finer looking to get into a secondary career pathway. It is also attracting a significantskills of everything from robotics and number of women. Were seeing a lot ofsoftware testing to web development women who are coming in after havingand marketing. Studies show these skills children or wanting a career change,are neededaccording to a Canadian Bartlett says. Its been great to see howCouncil for Aboriginal Business research many women were seeing get into tech.report, Indigenous youth remain less And older individuals who are looking toconfident in their digital literacy despite upskill, because they see the value thattheir frequent use of digital devices. By tech is bringing, and theyre seeing theopening the door to careers in tech, surge in that labour market.not only do training programs offer For mentees, the largest barrier to landingIndigenous people viable career options, internships has been a lack of post- they are also helping move the needle secondary education and experience.toward economic reconciliation. Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 49'