Digital Equity Fund

The work of the First Nations Technology Council has never been in so much need and higher demand. Our success in advancing digital skills throughout Indigenous communities has resulted in thousands of Indigenous peoples inspired and moved toward tech and tech-enabled careers. Our research has broken open the conversation on Indigenous peoples in the sector, which has never been tracked, analyzed or measured. And now, with BC’s first Indigenous Framework for Innovation and Technology in the draft, we are positioned to finally center Indigenous peoples’ vision for a digital and connected future within a national conversation on digital equity and rights. 
The First Nations Technology Council is poised to play a central convening role in the ecosystem, co-creating equity and inclusion on the platform in which our society and economy are built upon. Our collaborative work toward equitable access is vital to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and a super determinant to the advancement of Truth and Reconciliation, as access to digital tools and platforms will mobilize all aspects of thriving nations in the 21st century and beyond.

Like many non-profit organizations, we do this transformational work and envision a future beyond what others plan or allow for us while operating on marginal program administrative fees. Despite our undeniable track record of success and exceptional ecosystem building, the First Nations Technology Council continues to be completely unfunded. We are often passed over in favour of non-Indigenous entities to “do the work for us” which continues the history of systemic oppression and exclusion of Indigenous peoples from determining our own future, this time in the digital and virtual space. It’s time for us to take our rightful place of leadership in this space and that is what we ask you today to support us in.

We are calling on all levels of government, technology and innovation sector, and the philanthropic community to stand with us so we can continue our work on behalf of Indigenous peoples and communities in the province, mandated through the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Please become an ally today. We are currently accepting all levels of donations to our Digital Equity Fund from individuals and organizations who agree that Indigenous peoples deserve to be a vibrant part of the new digital economy. Funds will go directly to keeping our talented staff in place and allow us to push key pieces of work that are not funded like the Indigenous Framework for Innovation and Technology. Our 2020/2021 goal is to raise $500,000.