Our Impact, and Our Presence: Indigenous Friends Association (IFA)
Welcome to the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA)! We are an Indigenous-led tech not-for-profit organization dedicated to igniting the spirit of Indigenous communities through creativity and digital innovation. Our mission is to cultivate tech opportunities for Indigenous youth by blending traditional ways of knowing with modern technology.
Who We Are
At IFA, we believe in the transformative power of art and technology. By integrating artistic elements with digital tools, we encourage Indigenous youth to explore new ways of self-expression and skill development. Our programs are designed to foster personal and community growth while honoring their cultural heritages.
Our Programs
Through our programs, we have supported over 700+ Indigenous individuals, with 90% of our graduates securing paid internships. Our offerings include IndigiTAL, a program focused on digital literacy and community empowerment, and IndigiTECH, which provides professional development and paid internships in various tech fields. These programs equip participants with essential skills for today's job market. By fostering a supportive learning environment, we support the personal and professional growth of Indigenous youth.
Our IndigiTAL program offers five weeks of free online learning focused on digital literacy, community building, and empowerment. Participants can choose between two courses: "Empowerment Through Tech" and "Empowerment Through Art.
The IndigiTECH program provides professional development and paid full-time internship opportunities in fields such as Web Development, UX Design, Client Care, and Business & Marketing. This program ensures participants develop essential skills for today's job market, blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation.
Success Stories
We celebrate the achievements of our program graduates, like Kyla Monture, Lianna Rice, and Miranda Saddleback, who founded the Mother Tongues Network. Their initiative, born from our IndigiTECH UX Design class, received a $30,000 grant for Indigenous language preservation.
Our in-house artist, Tsista Kennedy, exemplifies the blend of tradition and digital innovation. Tsista's work, which incorporates traditional Anishinaabe elements with modern techniques, has been featured in a Scotia Bank Arena art collection video. His journey inspires our youth to embrace their heritage while being technologically innovative.
Research and Collaborations
Our research team collaborates on impactful projects with organizations like Justice Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Employment and Social Development Canada. These collaborations focus on enhancing equity, digital sovereignty, and employment opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Join Us
At IFA, we are passionate about supporting and uplifting Indigenous communities. We invite you to explore our free online programs, read about our work, and consider supporting us through a donation. Your generosity helps us continue cultivating opportunities forIndigenous youth through education and technology.
Visit our website and start your journey with IFA today. If you’re feeling generous, please consider supporting our work. 🌟
