Integrating Indigenous ways of learning in RaceRocks’ Kishkayhta Program

“I have always loved technology and computers,” says Kiefer, a 2nd year Information and Computer Systems diploma program student at Camosun College.

“I’m 7th generation with roots heavily in Sooke. We have records of my Family going back to almost the 1800s.” Kiefer also has a special history with Camosun College.

“I have always loved technology and computers,” says Kiefer, a 2nd year Information and Computer Systems diploma program student at Camosun College. “Since the early 90s, I’ve taken apart and diagnosed computers, running custom software and emulations. I’m creative and love to build. Software engineering seemed like a good fit for me and my personality. I just needed a little shove in the right direction. And possibly a car accident.”

Indigenous peoples make up five per cent of adults in Canada but less than two per cent of people working in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) occupations. 

- Melissa Lundy, Communications, Indigenous and Government Relations Specialist at RaceRocks

That’s right, a car accident. “I was in a near-fatal car accident in 2020,” says Kiefer. “I was unable to walk for some time and while recovering and looking at new career ideas, I started teaching myself programming and computer science.” He started his career as a plumber after graduating from Camosun College’s Plumbing and Pipe trade program in 2017. Now, he was looking to change careers completely. His biggest challenge was taking the knowledge he had and applying it to learning a new field and career. It showed him his weaknesses and what he needed to work on. “It was hard to do alone and, at the time, was very frustrating,” says Kiefer. “I kept pushing, though, and eventually it all clicked.”

In June, woman-led and Indigenous-owned training company RaceRocks launched their paid Kishkayhta Program. Kishkayhta (Métis for knowledge and learning) is a paid co-op, internship, and new graduate program that provides Indigenous learners with hands-on work experience in technology and equips them with the necessary skills to excel in the industry. The program offers hands-on experience and the skills needed to thrive in the defence and aerospace sectors. “Indigenous peoples make up five per cent of adults in Canada but less than two per cent of people working in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) occupations. Kishkayhta's mission is to provide an Indigenous-led and culturally relevant hands-on paid program for Indigenous people in STEAM,” explained Melissa Lundy, Communications, Indigenous and Government Relations Specialist at RaceRocks. “The program integrates Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing with Western science to broaden the world around us.”  

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples calls for educational reforms to ensure Indigenous peoples are accepted as equals in all fields, including STEAM. “Kishkayhta is RaceRocks' first intern collaboration with Camosun College, who are dedicated to supporting Indigenous students and represents a new way to support Indigenous peoples pursuing STEAM careers,” says Anita Pawluk, RaceRocks’ CEO and President.

“My experience with RaceRocks was amazing,” says Kiefer. “Anything you needed was well documented and readily available, and if any questions arose, you could ask. Everyone was always ready to help!” Kiefer was in the research and development department, working directly with his supervisor and using diverse skills while learning and adapting to a changing environment.  Looking at the future, Kiefer is looking forward to continuing to learn new skills in his program. “I want to continue developing skills with my friends and work on projects with them during and after we are done school,” says Kiefer.

The funds for the Kishkayhta launch were made possible through RaceRocks' $3 million funding round, led by Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. This month, as part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Camosun encourages organizations to consider partnering with RaceRocks on future funding to give back to Indigenous communities, advance reconciliation, and build capacity to diversify the defence and aerospace workforces. Interested partners can email partnerships@racerocks3D.com to get involved. Looking back on his journey from plumber to programmer, Kiefer is philosophical. “I’m starting to believe that there may be a path I’m following without knowing it and, perhaps, I just needed the shove to get back on track after ignoring my own strengths.”

Co-op at Camosun

Camosun College is proud to serve students and community partners, and engage with Indigenous communities with reciprocity, understanding, and in good ways to cultivate healthy and supportive community relationships. Through this work, Camosun responds to evolving community needs, while ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant and essential education and skills.  One of Camosun’s applied learning programs is co-operative education, whereby students integrate their academic knowledge and skills in workplace or practice settings.  For more information visit Camosun's Career Lab.