First Nations Technology Council

How can the internet be more inclusive and representative of all voices, especially those that have been historically silenced? 🔇 The Google antitrust ruling marks a significant shift in the digital landscape. While many are focusing on how this impacts big tech, there’s an emerging opportunity that also deserves attention: the potential for First Nations communities to create and control their own search engines. For too long, Indigenous voices and knowledge have been marginalized in the vast digital ecosystems controlled by global tech giants. But this ruling opens the door to a new possibility—one where First Nations can develop search engines that prioritize their languages, cultures, and ways of knowing. Imagine a digital space where Indigenous knowledge is not just a subset of information but the foundation. This isn't just about technology; it’s about digital sovereignty. It’s about reclaiming control over how knowledge is shared, preserved, and accessed. By building search engines tailored to their unique needs, First Nations communities can ensure that their stories, histories, and innovations are represented authentically and protected against misrepresentation. Tell us what you think in the comments ⬇️ #DigitalSovereignty #IndigenousTech #FirstNations #Innovation #GoogleRuling #TechForGood"

Pre-register for our first-ever awards gala happening on April 8, 2025, at The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver 🎉 The Amplify Awards will celebrate Indigenous leaders in technology and exceptional like-minded organizations that share a commitment to supporting Indigenous learners, communities, and innovation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4daJYMG 📸: Alison Boulier Creative

"Technology doesn’t save languages; people do it by speaking to each other, teaching, learning the language, writing stories, and singing songs.” Do you think AI has a role in First Nations language retention? Let us know in the comments 👇🏾 https://tgam.ca/4bZYtSH

We wish you a happy and safe long weekend, from our families to yours 🧡 You stay cool, BC 😎

There are many ways companies can ally with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous Digital Equity 🤔 Microsoft supported us in the form of a ping pong tournament and a bake sale. Read about their journey of learning and allyship below ⬇

"Exclusion of Indigenous data from data-sets marginalizes Indigenous communities, while inclusion without proper guidance perpetuates biases and removes data from their cultural contexts." Indigenous data sovereignty must be considered in research, conservation, and governance arrangements ✊🏾 Read it in BIV News: https://lnkd.in/gdNSVmyh"

Catch Natiea Vinson at the Small Business BC (SBBC) #BGTVancouver event this Wednesday at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown. She will be sitting down with the savvy Joshua Nilson, founder of Maskwa Investments Inc, which focuses on early-stage seed funding and advisement with a focus on Indigenous tech businesses. Get your free ticket below ⬇

Lead two departments - Digital Skills Development and Career Pathways - ensuring our students experience a seamless transition from learning to work, as our Vice President, Programs. If you are an experienced leader in education who also believes in designing and stewarding technology to renew and strengthen our cultures, lands, languages, and ways of being, we would love to meet you. Above all, we value balance, respect, and trust. See the role and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gVCu-yk4

Tech that detects wildfires up to five days in advance? It exists. How do you think technology could be used to assist Indigenous fire stewardship practices in BC? We'd love to know! B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) wants to fund these sorts of technologies with $3M up for grabs until August 7. Learn more in BetaKit: https://bit.ly/4cMIhoq

"Balance is an important part of our teachings, but how can you teach it without knowing anything about technology?" Lorna is a mother, a grandmother, and a graduate of our Introduction to Computers course. Read about her journey to the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) where she is now working towards a degree: https://bit.ly/4cMCxuU