IFA Research Department
The Research Department is committed to fostering digital education opportunities rooted in self-determination among Indigenous Peoples. By bridging the gap between Indigenous communities and the tech industry, we're not just imagining a digital future inclusive of Indigenous voices; we're co-building it.
Since our inception in mid-2022, our collaborative efforts have marked significant strides towards sustainable careers in tech and innovation for Indigenous Peoples through:
Empowering Change: Partnership with Justice Canada for UNDRIP Implementation
IFA and Justice Canada, in collaboration with Indigenous-led organizations, co-created the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act Action Plan Report.
Impact: This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to dismantle the barriers of systemic racism and discrimination that have disproportionately affected Indigenous communities. It's a stride towards mending socioeconomic disparities and advancement towards a society where equity and prosperity are not just ideals but realities for Indigenous Peoples.
Outcome: The Action Plan Report identifies community-named opportunities to renew and further co-develop Canada’s legislative, regulatory, policy and program changes across three major themes: climate and technology, discrimination in digital media, and data sovereignty.
Explore Our Impact Report
Pioneering Progress: IFA’s Role in UNDRIP Technical Working Group
Recognized by the UNDRIP Implementation Secretariat, IFA joins the Technical Working Group, a collective of Indigenous partners and representatives of key governmental agencies.
Impact: We're setting the stage for measuring and evaluating the progress of UNDRIP in Canada, fostering Indigenous rights and digital sovereignty.
Outcome: Further advancement of our commitment to developing culturally informed evaluation metrics ensures the inclusivity of Indigenous perspectives in global dialogues.
Join us in this journey towards empowering Indigenous rights.
Eighth Fire Digital Youth Council: Reshaping the Tech Landscape with Ontario Trillium Foundation
In collaboration with the Ontario Trillium Foundation and The Dais, we target barriers for Indigenous youth in tech.
Impact:This Report explores technical and digital labour market trends, identifies occupations, skills, and program opportunities, and provides actionable insights on barriers to entry, employment, and skill development in the Indigenous tech labour market It also provides insights on the in-demand skills and occupations relevant to the IFA programming participants, highlighting the INDIGital and IndigiTECH program’s potential in teaching foundational and relevant skill sets.
Outcome: "Digital Journeys: A Path Towards Digital Economic Empowerment for Indigenous Youths in Canada" report is a testament to our efforts in digital economic empowerment.
Discover Youth Empowerment Pathways
Mentorship Framework: Expansion Project with ESDC
This project is supported by Employment and Social Development Canada’s Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program.
Impact: Enhancing digital skills and employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples via the development of a unique mentorship program that provides a holistic and accessible blend of Industry-based and Indigenous teachings to further professional and personal growth.
Outcome: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to refine future program development.
Get Involved in Mentorship
Internet Decolonized: Advocating for Inclusive Digital Spaces
The IFA contributed to a chapter for "Internet Decolonized," an edited volume highlighting the role of Indigenous epistemologies in the digital realms.
Impact: Our insights contribute to global discussions on the processes and mechanisms of the Internet’s decoloniality; ensuring Indigenous interests and perspectives shape the digital future.
Call to Action: For collaboration and insights, Contact Our Research Team at research@indigenousfriends.org
Theory of Change: A Testament to the Transformative Power of Technology to Revitalize Cultures and Traditions
The IFA employs scalable and empirical tools to equip the organization to develop strategies that explore a sustainable collaborative framework with stakeholders and rights holders.
Impact: This paradigm serves as a program planning and evaluation roadmap to clarify objectives, work within aligned resources, and track milestones toward systems-level change.
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