This week, seven northern and remote First Nation Communities will be receiving Microsoft Surfaces, as part of a partnership between RCT and Microsoft Canada, to assist their economic and educational development programs.
Working with our contact Brian Walmark, located in Thunderbay, Brian helped us identified 7 First Nations Communities that are in need of computer technology to expand their economic and educational development programs.
The First Nation Communities we are currently working with are:
- Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services – Matawa First Nations Management
- Deer Lake First Nation
- Fort William First Nation
- Wunnummin Lake Lake First Nation
- Mishkeegogamang First Nation
- Muskrat Dam First Nations
- Fort Severn First Nations.
One of these communities, Fort Severn, received a shipment of 15 Microsoft Surfaces to replace critically old computers used in their computer literacy program and to be used in their new call centre – a Cree-English call centre that will focus on assisting business-to-business connections between Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario. Forst Severn is the northernmost permanent settlement in Ontario, sharing its traditional lands with some of Ontario’s last remaining Polar bear population.
As a leader in community-based training, Fort Severn is the first First Nation to host community training in computer literacy, trades, and heavy equipment operation, preparing members of their community to assume jobs normally done by outside contractors. The community has taken great strides in leading remote northern communities in training and computer literacy, and is a pioneer in digital education and IP-based telemedicine.
“With Microsoft Surfaces, our youth will have the same tools as other young people in the province. All we have ever asked for is the opportunity to compete. These donated computers will help to level the playing field,” – Chief Paul Burke