The First Peoples Innovation Center is looking for new talent to complete the next cohort of Onaki FabLab in Gatineau.
At the Onaki FabLab, you will be able to learn how to use highly specialized machines such as 3D printers, laser cutting, digital milling, and many more. Many of your instructors are Indigenous youth who have completed this training. With them, you will learn the use of machines one step at a time and put what you know into practice. Learn more about the FabLab universe by clicking here.
The Onaki FabLab
The Onaki FabLab is the first Indigenous FabLab in Canada. It is an open space with an array of computer-driven machine tools as well as traditional Indigenous tools. This equipment allows participants to design various projects that bridge technology with Indigenous culture. The participants all have different fields of interest, but all find projects to carry out at the FabLab. FPIC has seen many realized projects, such as prosthetics for animals, personalized sweater prints, personalized stickers, jewelry, and more.
With funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), FPIC adapted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology models to make it culturally meaningful for Indigenous youth. The program bridges cultural and technological activities. During the program, you will explore the possibilities offered by the different machines in a culturally safe environment.
The FPIC developed this five-month training program to meet the needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth.
Our FabLab ONAKI program is structured as follows:
- Four intensive months of training
- Five days/week
- Thirty hours of programming/training per week
- Four weeks of on-the-job training
- Indigenous learning methods inspire the approach applied to the transmission of knowledge
- Learn by observation, segmentation of knowledge in phases, and continuous practice.
Although you will be working with 21st-century equipment, you will introduce the materials of your project and a vision rooted in your culture to bring out completely new designs.