Feminine FabLabs: Empowering Indigenous Women

To address the specific needs of Indigenous women and foster their inclusion in the digital economy, the First Peoples Innovation Centre (CIPP) has established Feminine FabLabs in several communities.

A Vision for the Future

These spaces aim to provide Indigenous women with access to new technologies and career opportunities in the digital economy. Additionally, participants can launch their own businesses by leveraging the creations produced at the FabLab.

“Indigenous Women and Digital Skills: The ONAKI Concept” Project

Between November 2021 and March 2024, CIPP implemented the “Indigenous Women and Digital Skills: The ONAKI Concept” project in collaboration with Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) under the Women’s Program. This initiative achieved the following:

  • Identified and addressed systemic barriers limiting Indigenous women’s participation in the FabLab Onaki;
  • Enhanced the FabLab Onaki concept to make it more inclusive and accessible.
Bringing Women-Only FabLabs to Life

With financial support from the Secrétariat à la condition féminine du Québec, CIPP successfully launched feminine FabLabs. The main objective is to ensure Indigenous women have equal opportunities for learning, personal development, and employability in a field still predominantly male.

Cohorts were organized in Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, Pessamit, and Kawawachikamach, bringing together women of all ages eager to learn how to use digital fabrication machines. In addition, entrepreneurship and employability training were provided by our partners, including the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) and the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ).

An Inclusive and Innovative Approach

These initiatives demonstrate CIPP’s commitment to creating spaces where Indigenous women can develop skills, thrive, and play an active role in the digital transformation. feminine FabLabs represent a tangible step toward their economic and social empowerment, reinforcing their role as leaders within their communities and beyond.

THESE EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED
FEMININE FABlAB in Uashat mak Mani-Utenam

le The First Peoples Innovation Center is pleased to announce the next FEMININE FABLAB in Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, which will be held from August 12 to October 4, 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate!.

Un FabLab pour les femmes à Uashat mak Mani-utenam

Radio-Canada

Publié le 14 mars 2022 à 16 h 55 HNE

A FabLab for women in Uashat mak Mani-utenam
The graduation ceremony

Today was a day of celebration at CIPP! We had the pleasure of hosting the graduation ceremony for the amazing participants of the womens FabLab, and what an incredible experience it was! The creations of our participants are more than just projects – they represent a beautiful blend of indigenous women’s heritage and modern digital skills. At CIPP, we’re all about breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Together, we’re shaping a future where diversity and innovation thrive.