Education, high-speed internet access essential for success of First Nations communities

The future economic successes of Indigenous communities and businesses hinge on cooperative efforts from the government, the private sector, and the communities themselves to adopt emerging technologies,  according to a recent report.

"The Indigenous population is the youngest and fastest growing demographic in Canada and there is already a strong interest in social sciences, humanities and fine arts, more needs to be done to encourage Indigenous people to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics"

The findings of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Tata Consultancy Services, Digital Directions: Towards skill development and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the new economy, were presented last week at the 2019 Forward Summit in Calgary.  

“It’s about matching up the skills and the talent,” explained JP Gladu, CCAB president and CEO. “Indigenous people are the fastest, youngest, strongest growing demographic in this country. We’re the future workforce.”

The recommendations for ensuring First Nations Canadians have the required skills and education to participate and thrive in an ‘evolving digital economy’ include:

• Bringing housing, health services, educational facilities, and high-speed internet access to national standards
• Creating a digitally fluent Indigenous workforce through increased access to education and training with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the needs of industry without compromising the priorities of Indigenous culture
• Identifying and addressing the barriers Indigenous women face in accessing education and training

Read the full report here