GABRIEL SIMON grew up in Moncton, away from his home community of Elsipogtog First Nation. Raised in a mostly secular environment, he often felt like he was navigating two different worlds. Living with ADHD, Asperger’s, and anxiety made things even more challenging—especially in a non-Indigenous community where he sometimes felt out of place. Learning didn’t always come easy, and social situations could be tough, but he kept pushing forward.

It was through a friend that he first heard about the Indigenous Friends Association’s IndigiTECH and IndigiTAL programs. Intrigued by the opportunity, he decided to look further into the programs. From the start, he felt welcomed. His journey began with IndigiTAL, where he was introduced to creative and technical skills that sparked his interest. After completing the program, he decided to join IndigiTECH to further advance his knowledge and build on what he had learned.

Through IndigiTECH and IndigiTAL, he learned about digital art, how to code in Python, and even how to present ideas effectively. One of his most memorable experiences was painting a paddle—a project that connected him to traditional art in a way he hadn’t experienced before. But what really made the program truly special was the humor and warmth of the people leading it. Their energy and approach made every session something to look forward to.

It was a space where he could connect with others who, like him, were finding ways to stay connected—or reconnect—with their cultural roots. It wasn’t just about learning technical skills; it was about building relationships and reclaiming knowledge.

Now, he’s focused on his future. He’s currently working on several novels and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. His journey is still unfolding, but thanks to programs like IndigiTECH and IndigiTAL, he moves forward with a stronger sense of belonging and confidence in his path.