Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement

Three indigenous people speaking at NAIT campus

Supporting Strong Communities

In partnership with Indigenous communities, we co-create and deliver community-based training and applied research projects that foster growth and development.

We listen, communicate, and adapt to meet the needs of our partners, their families, and their communities. Walking beside them, we ensure our approach remains flexible and responsive.

Our training programs are tailored to each community, often delivered locally to respect unique priorities. Our applied research team provides access to world-class facilities and expert staff, supporting partners in environmental monitoring, research training, land reclamation, and other key areas.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge informs all research projects, integrating diverse perspectives to create collaborative solutions that bridge scientific and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

We work closely with our partners to design schedules that align with their goals, offering online and in-person options at locations that best suit their needs.

Together, we build adaptable training and research programs that develop community-driven skills and knowledge, fostering long-term success and growth.

What to Expect

What to Expect

Facilitating Success

By working alongside Indigenous communities, we ensure that training is aligned with industry needs and reflects the evolving demands of the workforce, maximizing the employability of graduates. Our training is informed by industry partnerships and augmented with opportunities for hands-on applications. This approach ensures learner success and builds confidence in their new abilities. 

Relevant Workforce Training

Community-informed training development creates a space where Indigenous knowledge and contemporary skills can be woven together to support holistic learning experiences. 

Our classes utilize current technologies and are instructed by industry-experienced experts to ensure the training is relevant and up to date. We honor and incorporate Indigenous Ways of Knowing, ensuring that our programs reflect and respect the unique knowledge systems, traditions, and values of each community.  

We offer adaptable instruction by coming to your community to deliver customized training programs, thereby removing barriers to the learning process. 

Contact us today and we can work together to build a training program that works best for you and your community. 

Indigenous Success

Partnership successes

Indigenous Community-led Environmental Monitoring – Ermineskin Cree Nation

Ermineskin Cree Nation partnered with NAIT to work on an Indigenous-led Environmental Monitoring Program in 2023. The program was designed to address the need for self-led environmental monitoring of culturally important areas. This collaboration trains community members in water chemistry, soil analysis, lab safety, and data interpretation, enabling them to conduct independent monitoring. NAIT’s hands-on, community-informed training approach helps develop the skills needed for ongoing environmental data collection. The partnership is building local capacity, allowing Ermineskin Cree Nation to gather critical environmental data and manage it independently for decision-making, benefiting various departments, including Lands and Housing.

Contact us about custom partnerships

Two female students in lab coats and safety glasses look at the results of environmental testing while a professor watches

12 Indigenous students pose outside near a construction project they worked on

Youth Career Exposure Training Program – Bigstone Cree Nation

Bigstone Cree Nation partnered with NAIT to provide career exposure training for 15 members in trades, IT, digital media, workplace skills, and plant technology to address the need for skilled workers. The partnership’s customized, community-based training helped overcome barriers like travel and cost, enabling members to stay within their community while learning. The program not only built practical skills but also broadened youth's career horizons. It offers 794 hours of training over 33 weeks, including trade skills, IT, and plant technology. The program emphasizes immersive learning, workplace skills, and apprenticeships to maximize employability.

Contact us about custom partnerships

Canada Job Grant

Canadian businesses can get up to 65% of employee training costs covered through the Canada Job Grant.
The grant is available to businesses in all sectors.

Learn more about the Canada Job Grant

Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart