Fab Lab Celebrates Third Cohort Graduation

By Isaac White.

Tsi Snaihne was the setting where significant cultural and technological convergence occurred, marking the graduation of the third cohort from the Fab Lab program at Iohahi:io. This ceremony was not merely a recognition of academic achievement; it was a celebration of the harmonious blend of traditional knowledge with modern technology, heralding a new era for the community.

Norma Sunday, the Associate Director of Post-Secondary and Continuing Education at Iohahi:io, opened the ceremony with an air of pride and accomplishment. She highlighted the diverse and innovative projects completed by the students, ranging from business signage to custom-designed T-shirts for CKON radio, underscoring the tangible outcomes of the program's curriculum. Sunday's words resonated with the spirit of the occasion: "We are super pleased to have this third cohort graduating here at Akwesasne...They're super excited and they want to continue supporting us and supporting students across the country."

The essence of the Fab Lab program, as described by Sunday, lies in its ability to reveal the artistic and entrepreneurial potential within each student. This initiative, supported by Onaki Corporation, represents a significant step towards nurturing a new generation equipped with the skills and creativity to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and commerce.

Andrew Cook, an esteemed instructor for the Fab Lab Program, shared his reflections on the educational journey that the students embarked upon. He meticulously listed the technologies and skills imparted to the students, from 3D printing to CNC machining, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the program.

Cook's gratitude extended towards the First People's Innovation Center and the Onaki Fab Lab, highlighting the collaborative effort that fueled the program's success. His belief in the students' future endeavors was unwavering: "They showed a lot of going outside the box, a lot of creativity and a lot of just drive and imagination for everything that we taught them."

Céline Auclair, the Executive Director of the First Peoples Innovation Center, delivered a poignant closing speech that underscored the collective accomplishments of the first Indigenous graduates of the Fab Lab program. Her address began with a deep acknowledgment of the traditional unceded lands, setting a tone of respect and gratitude for the ceremony.

Auclair extended her thanks to all those who contributed to the program's success, from instructors and team members to families and communities, emphasizing the center's mission to empower First Nations through innovation and self-led progress. She specifically highlighted the resilience of the students, praising their ability to navigate and overcome the educational challenges they faced, a testament to their strength and dedication to their cultural identity.

Auclair's message went beyond mere congratulations; she articulated a vision for the future that involves expanding the Fab Lab program across Canada, aiming to inspire and equip Indigenous youth with the skills needed for the 21st century. She envisioned a network of both nomadic and fixed Fab Labs, fostering ongoing collaboration and opening new business opportunities for Indigenous communities.

The First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) has been a trailblazer since its inception in 2012, focusing on fostering social and technological innovation among First Peoples. A cornerstone of its initiatives is the Onaki FabLab, a unique space that combines digital creation and manufacturing. This initiative is designed to immerse young Indigenous peoples in the technologies and knowledge essential for the 21st century, providing them with the tools to shape their professional futures.

Drawing inspiration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Fabrication Laboratory model, FPIC has tailored the FabLab experience to resonate with Indigenous youth. By weaving in the rich traditional values of the First Peoples, these Indigenous FabLabs not only foster a sense of community but also place a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning.

FabLabs represent a modern approach to education, where informal, cooperative learning environments encourage the creation of everything from robots to handcrafted items, prioritizing experimentation, practice, and autonomy. These spaces serve as hubs of creativity, learning, invention, and mentoring, democratizing access to sophisticated tools and technologies. The overarching aim is to empower individuals across communities to bring their ideas to life, making the tools of invention accessible to all.

This forward-thinking approach is rooted in a belief in the potential of Indigenous youth to lead and innovate, making them essential contributors to the nation's progress. Concluding her speech, Auclair encouraged the graduates to take pride in their heritage and to serve as role models for the next generations, emphasizing the crucial role Indigenous youth play in shaping a future where tradition and innovation coalesce.

Klae Mitchell, a graduate of the third Fab Lab cohort at Iohahi:io, who exemplifies the value of combining tradition and innovation, discussed a project centered around a unique rattle. Klae said, the rattle which was his displayed project, is interesting because it features 17 moons instead of the usual 13, signifying an omen or a profound change in times in his words. Mitchell's reflection on his experience encapsulated the transformative impact of the program: "It's a rattle based off the changing of times...It was a good refreshing change. My favorite part was making all the 3D projects we made here with the 3D printers."

Sierra Delormier, a Fab Lab instructor at Akwesasne and a graduate of the program, shared her journey and reflections on her role. Transitioning from student to instructor, she expressed initial nervousness but found confidence through further training and building strong relationships with her students. This personal connection made teaching more comfortable and rewarding for her. Delormier is committed to continuing her instructional role, with plans to explore future opportunities that include travel, though her main focus remains on contributing to the Fab Lab at Akwesasne.

"It was kind of nerve-wracking to be an instructor at first, but with further training, I was able to gain confidence and build a really good relationship with the students. It was eye-opening to switch from the student to the instructor, but it was a nice transition," Delormier shared.

The Fab Lab program at Iohahi:io has been a big success, blending old traditions with new technology. People like Norma Sunday, Andrew Cook, Céline Auclair, Klae Mitchell, and Sierra Delormier shared their stories, showing us how important this program is. It teaches students important tech skills while helping them stay connected to their culture. As the program grows, it's making a big difference in the community and beyond. The students who graduated are ready to lead and create new things, proving that when we mix tradition with new ideas, amazing things can happen.