The Onaki FabLab is an initiative of the First Peoples Innovation Centre (CIPP), a non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst for social and technological innovation among Indigenous Peoples. Through its inclusive approach, it supports Indigenous individuals living in urban areas as well as in their communities, while promoting pride in their identity and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the First Peoples.
A FabLab, or fabrication lab, provides users with access to a combination of advanced digital tools (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines) and traditional tools. Guided by experts, participants can design and create a variety of projects, ranging from artisanal crafts to innovative technological prototypes.
At the heart of the Onaki FabLab lies an innovative pedagogy, which blends hands-on learning, digital technologies, and cultural grounding. This educational approach engages participants in a creative process where they become the primary agents of their development. It emphasizes solving real-world problems, fostering collaboration, and transmitting traditional knowledge while exploring the potential of modern tools.
The Onaki FabLab stands out for its ability to seamlessly merge digital technology with culture. Through this innovative pedagogy, it offers Indigenous youth the opportunity to dream, innovate, and build their future while reconnecting with their ancestral roots. Whether they are Abenaki, Anishinabe, Atikamekw, Cree, Huron-Wendat, Innu, Inuit, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Mohawk, or Naskapi, the Onaki FabLab is a space where tradition, pedagogy, and innovation come together to shape the future.