Mila, a Montreal-based AI research institute, has launched the 'Indigenous Pathfinders in AI' program in partnership with Indspire. This six-week program brings together 21 Indigenous students from across Canada to learn about AI, network, and develop ideas for how AI can benefit Indigenous communities. The initiative aims to increase Indigenous representation in Canada's tech sector, where they are currently underrepresented, and ensure Indigenous people are not left behind in the burgeoning AI industry.
Montreal’s Mila institute aims to build network of Indigenous AI professionals
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Mila, a Montreal-based AI research institute, has launched the 'Indigenous Pathfinders in AI' program in partnership with Indspire. This six-week program brings together 21 Indigenous students from across Canada to learn about AI, network, and develop ideas for how AI can benefit Indigenous communities. The initiative aims to increase Indigenous representation in Canada's tech sector, where they are currently underrepresented, and ensure Indigenous people are not left behind in the burgeoning AI industry.
Trending- 1 2021: Canada census data on Indigenous population.
- 2 Last summer (2024): Inaugural 'Indigenous Pathfinders in AI' program took place.
- 3 Monday (June 2, 2025): Current cohort of 21 students gathered.
- 4 Next six weeks: Current program duration.
- Increased Indigenous representation in AI
- Development of AI tools for Indigenous communities (e.g., SAIGE, AI for Indigenous law)
- Prevention of AI becoming a 'tool of colonization'
- Fostering a diverse population shaping AI's future
What: Mila, a Montreal-based research institute, in partnership with Indspire, has launched the 'Indigenous Pathfinders in AI' program. This six-week program aims to build a network of Indigenous AI professionals by teaching 21 Indigenous students about AI, fostering networking, and encouraging pitches for AI applications benefiting Indigenous communities.
When: The current cohort of 21 students gathered on Monday (presumably June 2, 2025). The program lasts six weeks. The inaugural program took place last summer. The 2021 census data is cited.
Where: Mila (Montreal, Canada), Cafe Guerrero (Montreal). Students are from across Canada. Garrett Hrechka works remotely from Dauphin, Man., and Mary Gallerneaut from Kingston.
Why: To address the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada's tech sector (less than 1% vs. 5% of population) and ensure Indigenous communities are not left behind or negatively impacted by AI development. The program aims to empower Indigenous individuals to shape the future of AI for their own benefit.
How: The program invites Indigenous adults without prerequisites, providing a stipend ($5,800), covering flights and accommodation, and offering financial, technical, and peer support. It includes learning, networking, and a pitch day for AI ideas.