(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – Modern technology can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and cultural revitalization when guided by Indigenous perspectives. The Amplify Awards, hosted by the First Nations Technology Council (“Technology Council”) on Tuesday, brought Indigenous innovators and B.C.’s tech sector to Microsoft Vancouver to honour visionary individuals and communities leveraging tech for community development and leadership. The inaugural event highlighted the intersection of culture and innovation.
“The Amplify Awards celebrate Indigenous innovation in technology and community impact, offering a values-driven alternative to traditional tech events,” said Leah Bartko, Chief of Staff at the Technology Council. “Rooted in relationship, cultural strength, and storytelling, Amplify Awards highlight what’s possible when Indigenous leadership and technology come together. From wearable tech regalia to uniquely co-created awards, every element reflects a commitment to community and reciprocity. For Indigenous Peoples, it’s a space of recognition and belonging; for the tech sector, it’s an invitation to rethink innovation through a relational, future-focused lens.”
Bartko added that the event was made possible thanks to the generous support of many partners, including Telus as the presenting sponsor.
Indigenous Technologist Award: Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Lytton First Nation
The Indigenous Technologist Award was presented to Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, a proud Lytton First Nation member and a Sixties Scoop survivor. Troy is harnessing GIS and LiDAR mapping to lead community rebuilding efforts after the devastating 2021 wildfires.
“This award doesn’t just acknowledge my path—it honours the strength of our people, the spirit of our land, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again,” said MacBeth Abromaitis. With the help of technology, we were able to see our territory anew—but more than that, we found a way to bring our community home.”
Troy has over 20 years of experience in real estate development, governance, and strategic planning and is a dedicated community builder helping shape future-forward, culturally grounded projects across British Columbia. After decades away, his return home became a bridge between two worlds—uniting advanced technological expertise with a deep commitment to cultural restoration.
Innovative Community or Organization Award: Heiltsuk Nation
The Innovative Community or Organization Award was awarded to the Heiltsuk Nation, whose commitment to environmental stewardship and food sovereignty led to the return of one of their closest ancestors: the sockeye salmon.
In response to declining sockeye populations and reduced federal monitoring, the Nation installed a solar-powered, satellite-connected AI monitoring system at the Koeye River weir. This initiative enabled real-time fish counts and species recognition, supporting culturally and ecologically sound harvesting decisions. In 2023, Heiltsuk Nation was able to harvest and share sockeye with their community for the first time in years.
Members of the Heiltsuk fish weir crew travelled from Bella Bella to accept the award.
In addition to an awards ceremony, the event included a learning showcase from Indi City Tech Regalia, global Indigenous fashion designers who have incorporated wearable technology into traditional regalia, live music from DJ Kookum, industry networking, and keynote presentations.
The Amplify Awards is a new event created by the First Nations Technology Council to recognize the outstanding achievements of Indigenous technology leaders dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through innovation.
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The First Nations Technology Council is an Indigenous-led, innovative non-profit mandated by First Nations leadership in British Columbia. We work to advance digital literacy, improve internet connectivity, and provide guidance on data and digital technology for all 204 First Nations across the province. We envision a future where Indigenous Peoples and communities claim our space in the digital age by designing and stewarding technology to renew and strengthen our cultures, lands, languages, and ways of being for future generations.
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