8,700 Mi'kmaq students to learn coding, robotics under $1M program

Coding is already part of the public schoolcurriculumup to Grade 6 in Nova Scotia, but new funds that are part of a $50 million national programwill help ensureFirst Nations schools in the province are up to the same level.

The First Nations investments are part of aprogramcalledCanCODE, which is to be rolled out over the next two years and isaimed at teaching children about digital coding, 3D animation,robotics engineering and "big data" related technology.

The Department ofInnovation, Science and Economic Development will provide $1million tohelp 8,700 First Nations students inNova Scotia develop skills in coding, robotics and information technology.

At a launch event in Halifax on Tuesday,President of the Treasury Board ScottBrisonannounced the$1 million will bedistributed among 13 First Nation communities in Nova Scotia, encompassing students from kindergarten to Grade 12 in First Nations and public schools alike.

"Ourchildren are growing up through a time of great change," saidBrison.

"Technology is disrupting all facets of our lives.Our children can't escape it, but with the right education, our children can help shape it."

Bains announces CanCode winners

7 years ago

Duration 3:44

Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains announces the winners of CanCode, a program that will give over 1 million teachers and students the opportunity to learn digital skills like coding.

Closing the gap

While First Nations children are the fastest growing demographic in Canada,researchshows they face the mostrestrictedaccess to technology in comparison to the rest of the country.

"Through innovation and partnerships, we're going to close that gap," said ChrisGoogoo, chiefoperating officer forUlnoowegDevelopment Group, one of the not-for-profit organizations managing the CanCODE program.

Googooadded the investmentwill go directly to the students,through tangible resources like laptops and tablets.

As well, Googoo saidthe development of labs and workshops led by industry experts like the Canada Space Agency will improve employability for First Nations studentsin a job market where digital skills areessential.

'Opening up thatdoor'

"I'm not looking on reserve I want these kids to look beyond," saidGoogoo.

"It's breaking the cycle that just focuses on jobs on reserves. I want them to explore the world, and [the program is]opening up that door for them."

Chief Sidney Petersof Glooscap First Nation in Nova Scotiasaid he's hopeful the program will allow the students to diversify their skills, and find work at home.

"We know there's a lot of unemployment in our communities," said Peters.

"I think [the program] will allow us to create jobs, too. A lot of work in the digital field can be done from home."

Peters said if anyone from First Nationscommunities canadapt and capitalize on changing technologies, it's the youth.

"They already seem to be so far ahead of us," Peters said with a chuckle.

"It's about understanding what technology can do and not being scared to do it. Let's create that environment and atmosphere for them to build on what they know."

Ulnooweg is one of two Indigenous-led organizations to receivefunding. The Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre Inc., which provides educational resources to up to 2,000 students across 54 First Nations, received a $500,000investment underCanCODE.

Itsays it will be rolling out pilot projects this year to enhance itsservices in technological fields.