Pathways to AI: An Introduction for Indigenous People and Organizations

About This Course

Our new Pathways to AI course is a free, asynchronous introduction to artificial intelligence designed specifically for Indigenous people and Indigenous-serving organizations. In just 90 minutes, you will understand how today's AI tools actually work. You will explore where AI can, and cannot, support Indigenous-led work, creativity, governance, and Nation-building. Pathways to AI offers a trusted, Indigenous-led starting point. No technical background or prior experience with AI is required. This partnership strengthens the Technology Council's work to advance digital literacy, connectivity, and technology strategy.

Key Takeaways From the Course

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand what AI is, and isn't, and how it shows up in Indigenous contexts
• Gain hands-on skills for tasks like drafting, summarizing, brainstorming, and analysis using generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Google Gemini
• Build an understanding of ethical boundaries, including how to protect sacred knowledge and recognize risks like bias, hallucinations, and data misuse

You'll learn how to approach AI using Indigenous principles like relationality, OCAP®, data sovereignty, and accountability to community and land. The course also covers key risks, including bias, hallucinations, and the misuse of sensitive knowledge, and how to avoid them.

Course Details

This is a free, non-credited professional development course that you can start anytime. You can register for this course directly. You do not need to complete an application. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and is fully asynchronous, so you can move through it at your own pace. You will receive a First Nations Technology Council certificate and a custom course badge upon completion. Please note: this course is a standalone learning opportunity. We are not able to provide funding, equipment, technical support, or cover expenses, and participation does not include access to additional support beyond the course materials.

Our Partners

This course was developed in partnership with Mila - Quebec AI Institute, with support from Microsoft Elevate. By collaborating with AI experts at Mila, we've ensured the course content is accurate, practical, and aligned with Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and values.