September at FPIC: A New Season of Learning and Innovation
We invite you to read our September newsletter and discover the latest news from FPIC and our FabLabs. Learn more about our new cohorts, ongoing projects and upcoming training opportunities.
September brings a new season of activities at FPIC! The 16th FabLab ONAKI cohort is underway, the Kitigan Zibi Nomad FabLab is in action, and new training opportunities are coming soon with FabLab ONAKI Cycle 2 and the Nomad FabLab Uashat.
Learning, creating and innovating together — building new opportunities for First Peoples.
Enjoy the read!
FabLab ONAKI: A 16th Cohort Focused on Learning, Creativity, and the Future
With the launch of its 16th cohort, FabLab ONAKI continues an adventure that places participants, their ideas, and their potential at the heart of innovation.
Created by the First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC), FabLab ONAKI is a space where Indigenous cultures meet digital fabrication technologies. Design, programming, electronics, and digital fabrication become tools for learning in new ways, developing new skills, and turning ideas into concrete projects.
This new cohort fully reflects FPIC’s mission: to build bridges between First Peoples and the digital economy, support skills development, and make innovation and new technologies more accessible to Indigenous communities.
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Élodie Mercier, Continuing Education Coordinator at Cégep de l’Outaouais. On this occasion, Jacques Dalton, Executive Director of FPIC, drew inspiration from the words of Margaret Romans to remind participants of the importance of staying curious, continuing to learn, and asking questions throughout their journey.
The collaboration with Cégep de l’Outaouais, which recognizes the program with an official attestation, adds further value to the skills and knowledge participants develop throughout their FabLab ONAKI experience.
This 16th cohort marks the beginning of a new chapter: learning, creating, experimenting, and building new possibilities for the future.
An Inspiring Celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
On June 21, 2026, the First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day at Place Laval in Gatineau, bringing the community together to honour the cultures, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
Hosted by Viviane Michel and Brenda McGregor, the celebration began with a traditional drumming welcome by Eric Johnson, followed by a Land Acknowledgement and opening ceremony led by Elder Shirley Tolley.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the history of National Indigenous Peoples Day and reflect on the importance of celebrating Indigenous histories, cultures, and knowledge. The event also marked the official introduction of Jacques Dalton as FPIC’s new Executive Director.
The program featured an outstanding lineup of Indigenous performers, including Donovan Gordon Tootoo (traditional drumming and singing), Heidi Metcalfe and Tara Arnatsiaq-Barnes (Inuit throat singers), Riley McKenzie (Métis jig dancer), and Lyle Odjick with the Northern Stream Band. Participants also enjoyed a lunch featuring traditional Indigenous cuisine.
FPIC extends its heartfelt thanks to the artists, Elders, partners, and everyone who contributed to making this celebration a success.
Together, let us continue to celebrate Indigenous cultures and advance reconciliation through respect, listening, and collaboration.
Miigwetch to everyone!
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
On June 21, 2026, the First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) invites you to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Place Laval in the Hull sector of Gatineau.
This special day will highlight the richness of First Peoples’ cultures, traditions, and knowledge in a spirit of sharing, discovery, and community connection.
The program will feature cultural performances, meaningful encounters, a traditional meal, and activities designed to encourage dialogue and exchange in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Whether you are attending with family, friends, or simply wish to learn more about First Peoples, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to come together and recognize the importance of this day.
Free and open to everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate, learn, and share together.
Date: June 21, 2026
Location: Place Laval, Hull Sector, Gatineau
The First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) Is Recruiting!
We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors and contribute to our mission.
Why Get Involved?
Support educational opportunities for First Peoples, help advance reconciliation, and use your experience to support an organization focused on innovation, community impact, and sustainable growth.
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will contribute to:
• Strategic direction and decision-making
• Oversight of budgets and financial statements
• The long-term sustainability and growth of the organization
We encourage applications from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals.
A strong understanding of Indigenous realities and issues is essential for this role.
📅 5 to 6 meetings per year
📍 Gatineau (hybrid participation available)
🗓 Desired start date: June–July 2026
💼 Volunteer position (unpaid)
👉 Interested?
Please send your résumé and a brief cover letter to: directiongenerale@cipp-fpic.com
CIPP–Hydro-Québec: Indigenous Student Perseverance Through Technology
Through a partnership with Hydro-Québec, the First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) offers immersive workshops in robotics and drones for high school students from several communities, including Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, Lac-Simon, and Pessamit.
Using a hands-on, experiential approach, participants develop skills in innovation and technology while exploring potential career paths in these fields. Supported by experts from FPIC and Hydro-Québec, students take part in an engaging and inspiring experience that encourages school perseverance.
Onaki FabLab – Paid Training Program
The First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) is proud to launch a new cohort of the Onaki FabLab, a hands-on program combining digital technologies with traditional knowledge.
📅 From April 20th to October 2nd
📍 Gatineau
📲 Register: via the form (QR code)
📧 fablab@cipp-fpic.com
📞 (819) 685-2424
Join a space where culture meets technology and ideas become real projects.
Nomad FabLab – Listuguj
The First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC), in collaboration with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre, is proud to launch the Nomad FabLab in Listuguj, an immersive program that brings together culture, technology, and creativity.
From April 13th to June 19th, 2026, participants will explore and learn digital fabrication tools such as laser engraving, 3D printing, digital milling, and much more. This program is designed to build practical skills while fostering cultural identity and innovation.
This program offers a unique opportunity to turn ideas into real projects while gaining valuable skills in digital technologies and creative industries.
👉 To register or learn more:
Myrna Isaac
📧 MyIsaac@lete.listuguj.ca
📞 418-788-1347
The First Peoples Innovation Centre welcomes its Executive Director, Jacques Dalton.
Jacques Dalton is Métis from Northern Alberta, with roots in the historic communities of Lac Ste. Anne and the Red River, as well as the L’Hirondelle and Cunningham families, among others. He is a husband, the father of three adult children and a grandfather, and has lived in Ottawa since 2007. He brings extensive experience to his work with the First Peoples Innovation Centre, guided by a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous reconciliation, education, and culture. His career spans educational and non-profit sectors, including teaching roles at the American University in Cairo and other institutions, as well as serving as Dean of Students at a private college. Jacques has worked with youth-focused organizations in Canada and abroad, supporting initiatives such as an International Youth Centre in Cairo, programs for street‑involved youth in Canada and Mexico, and youth summer camps. He later transitioned to the public service, dedicating 14 years to Indigenous Health Research. Jacques has contributed to Indigenous Reconciliation initiatives with Indigenous partners and served as a Director within the Reconciliation Secretariat at Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
Guide Onaki FabLab
To learn more about the mission, pedagogical approach, and impact of the Onaki FabLab, we are pleased to provide a comprehensive document outlining the program, its training pillars, its holistic learning vision, and the results achieved with participating youth. This guide highlights, through text and visuals, how the Centre d’Innovation des Premiers Peuples supports Indigenous youth in developing their digital, cultural, and professional skills. You can access the full PDF document by clicking the link below.
Nomad FabLab – Pessamit
January 19 → March 27, 2026
The First Peoples Innovation Centre, in collaboration with the Innu Council of Pessamit, offers a hands-on program blending culture and digital technologies: laser engraving, 3D printing, digital milling, and more.
Register / Info
Contact: Kathy Moreau-Lacasse
Email: kmoreaulacasse@gmail.com
Phone: 438-345-3876
With financial support from the Gouvernement du Québec.
