Indigenous Leadership in Technology
While the digital economy in Canada is quickly expanding, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased reliance on digital technology, there are few labour market intelligence tools that meet the needs of Indigenous communities. Our research fills this gap, enabling access to opportunities in technology for Indigenous Peoples.
In today’s digital society, it's important that Indigenous Peoples lead in the future of tech and occupy more tech-based roles.
Our ground-breaking labour market study looks at the current state of Indigenous leadership in technology across the province from both an Indigenous and industry perspective. This work is guided by Indigenous knowledge, values, and ways of being to reflect and honour the stories and wisdom of our people and communities. Participants in this project include BC First Nations leadership; Indigenous Peoples living in BC including youth and Elders; and key partners from sectors including education, tech, recruitment, research, and more.
British Columbia’s tech sector is booming. It is growing at more than double the national average of 3.3%. There are more than 123,000 jobs in BC tech, but less than 1% of them are held by people who identify as Indigenous. As all industries become increasingly reliant on technology, the edges of the tech sector become blurry. Today, technology weaves through nearly every aspect of our lives from work to education; culture and health; environmental stewardship; rights implementation; and more. That’s why it's even more important in today’s digital society that Indigenous Peoples lead in the future of technology and occupy more tech-based roles.
Five-year compound rate highest in the country at 8.1%, double the national average of 3.3%
123,000+ jobs
11,000+ companies
Less than 1% of tech employees identify as Indigenous compared to 5.9% of the Indigenous population living in BC
We're filling gaps in labour market data.
Our research is filling gaps in existing labour market data by collecting information that has never before been gathered. It provides regionally-specific data that prioritizes Indigenous rights and lays out recommended actions for industry and governments as they respond to reconciliation. These actions, if adopted, will change the future of tech in BC. The major findings in the report are:
Self-Determination
Our peoples and communities must be able to decide what opportunities and priorities for tech look like for ourselves.
Digital Equity
Digital equity is more than access to internet and computers; it’s about having influence over the future of tech and weaving in Indigenous values, knowledge, and ways of being.
Root Cause Approach
We must address root causes and systemic, interpersonal, and workplace barriers that colonialism creates.
Indigenous Leadership In Technology:
Understanding Access and Opportunities In British Columbia
View the ReportTimeline
The ILIT project is expected to span five phases. We’ve just completed Phase II – Research.
Phase I
Engagement & Planning
(COMPLETE)
Phase II
Primary Research
(COMPLETE)
Phase III
Strategy
(PLANNING)
Phase IV
Implementation
Phase V
Evaluation
Engagement Reach
800
+
participants
total
400
+
engagement invitations sent
400
survey
responses
79
engagement session participants
39
key informant interviews
12
virtual engagement sessions
Become a changemaker, get involved today.
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Our Partners
We would like to thank the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), Reciprocal Consulting, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training Sector Labour Market Partnerships Program, and the Technology Council’s Regional Coordinators for their contributions to this work.
Latest News
Groundbreaking Study will Increase Indigenous Leadership in Technology Across B.C.
The First Nations Technology Council is excited to announce that the Indigenous Leadership in Technology: Understanding Access and Opportunities in BC Report (ILIT) is now available. This report, which is the culmination […]
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