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Inuvik, NT – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced a contribution of $2.7M to support DigitalNWT, a new initiative aiming to strengthen the foundation of community-based digital literacy in the Northwest Territories.
DigitalNWT will develop resources and courses customized for the unique needs of people living in the communities across the territory. The initiative, a project on Tides Canada’s shared platform,is led by the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC), the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), the SahtúRenewable Resources Board (SRRB), and the Tłı̨chǫ Government. These organizations are partnering with the University of Alberta, the Smart Communities Society, Hands On Media Education, Aurora College, and the Aurora Research Institute to ensure the successful delivery of the program.
“The IRC is pleased to be a partner on this important initiative which will provide the resources and tools needed to strengthen digital literacy in our communities.” says Vina Norris, Senior Manager, HR and Capacity, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.
With a ‘train the trainer’ approach, DigitalNWT will equip a team of community-based instructors with the skills to offer digital literacy training in communities across the NWT. Participants will learn how to use digital devices, browse the Internet, manage data, and stay secure online. Upon the project’s conclusion, the local communities will have a customized digital literacy curriculum package that can be taught and updated on an ongoing basis.
“The DigitalNWT project fits perfectly with our Smart Communities mandate –making sure that technology, training opportunities, increased digital access,and economic benefits are provided to our NWT communities, especially to our smaller, primarily Indigenous communities that are most in need. We look forward to sharing the resources, results,and positive community impacts with all community partners involved in this exciting project,” says Sharon Firth,Co-Chair, Smart Communities Society, Programs Committee.
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The ISED contribution is part of the Digital Literacy Exchange Program, a $29.5-million program that supports initiatives that teach fundamental digital literacy skills to Canadians who would benefit from participating in the digital economy. The program aims to equip Canadians with the necessary skills to engage with computers, mobile devices and the Internet safely, securely and effectively.
Learn more about the Digital Literacy Exchange Program here
DigitalNWT invites other organizations based in the NWT to contact the project to explore ways to work together.
About Tides Canada’s shared platform
DigitalNWT is a project on Tides Canada’s shared platform which provides governance, human resources, financial, and grant management for leading social and environmental initiatives across Canada, enabling projects to achieve greater impact.
For more information: Alison Henning, Tides Canada
alison.henning@makeway.org | 236-317-2778[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”45px” woodmart_hide_large=”0″ woodmart_hide_medium=”0″ woodmart_hide_small=”0″ woodmart_hide_extra_small=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3370″ img_size=”full” parallax_scroll=”no”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
