The International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) today announced the launching of four new projects as part of its Diversity & Inclusion Challenge program to help increase the representation of Indigenous people and women in the mining and the minerals industry’s digital transformation.
The 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Challenge sought innovative project ideas to increase the numbers of Indigenous peoples and women in information, communications, and technology (ICT) programs and occupations in Saskatchewan’s minerals industry. The winners of the Challenge are:
- Innovative Digital Training – Modern Indigenous Potash Mining Curriculum Development, Morris Interactive in consultation with Cowessess First Nation, adult learning institutions, major Saskatchewan potash mining producers, and HCC group, a Saskatchewan-based mine development contractor.
- Diggin’ Digital – Roving Discovery Centre and Two-Day Boot Camp, Saskatchewan Polytechnic partnering with Women in Trades and Technology, Indigenous Strategy, Saskatoon Industry Education Council, Regina Industry Education Council, Prairie Valley School Division, Misty Clifton Associates, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing, and YWCA
- Building Minerals Literacy with STEM – Teacher Training Project, Mining Matters partnering with Saskatchewan Mining Association, Bridging Concepts, and Ontario Tech University STEAM 3-D Maker Lab
- Diggin’ Digital Professional Development – an Educator’s Online ICT & STEM Resource Hub, Saskatchewan Polytechnic partnering with Women in Trades and Technology, Indigenous Strategy, Student Services, School of Information and Communications Technology, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing, School of Natural Resources and Built Environment, and School of Continuing Education
The Innovative Digital Training, tailored for Indigenous peoples and focused on potash, and the Diggin’ Digital – Roving Discovery Centre are meant to design and develop, in collaboration with Indigenous communities adjacent to mines/mills, training and support opportunities in basic information, communications and technology (ICT) skills. The Building Minerals Literacy with STEM and Diggin’ Digital Professional Development projects will help equip on- and off-reserve teachers with the resources, materials, and professional development opportunities to allow them to incorporate ICT and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into lesson plans for Indigenous youth in culturally relevant and appropriate ways.
“Saskatchewan’s minerals industry is striving to have a workforce representative of the communities in which they operate, and these new projects send a clear signal of IMII’s members’ commitment to include Indigenous communities in their current and future workforces,” said Al Shpyth, IMII’s Executive Director. “We’re launching these four new projects with partners across the province, and they build on a $1 million initial pledge made in 2017 which resulted in seven diversity & inclusion projects. The value of the four new projects increases IMII’s commitment to more than $1.5 million, and we are honored to help bring our member’s vision to life.”
For more information:
Al Shpyth, Executive Director, IMII
Phone: 306-668-2057
