The program, called Nanda at Nokee Kwe, means “seek; look for” in Anishnaabemowin.
Nanda was created in partnership with global, Calgary-based educational technology company RoboGarden Inc, who has developed a digital skills training program with a focus on Indigenous women in the London area.
This program works to address the larger systemic issue of coded bias in technology. By training and introducing Indigenous women into nontraditional careers, Nokee Kwe helps to support diversity in the tech industry and beyond.
The Nanda program will teach coding skills from a basic to professional level, using gamification to create an interactive and fun learning environment. The Nokee Kwe and RoboGarden Inc. teams will provide participants with online support as they learn the fundamentals of programming at their own pace. Nokee Kwe will also be working with graduates of the program to secure placements and/or employment opportunities post-graduation.
Participants of the program will learn to develop mobile and web applications from start to finish (concept, design, development, and launch). They will learn how to identify usability requirements across Android, iOS, and web-based platforms, and discover technologies and design principles.