Thunder Bay, ON – A collaborative effort from Siemens Energy Canada, a German-based company with a subsidiary in Canada, Corporations for Community Connections and Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) from Toronto and Montreal brought much-needed technology to Indigenous organizations in the Thunder Bay area.  

 

During May 8th and 9th, the visitors distributed refurbished laptops to Nokiiwin Tribal Council, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Dennis Franklin Cromarty School, Fort William First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation, aiming to shorten the digital divide and enhance educational opportunities for First Nations youth in the region. “The need is much greater,” said Brian Walmark, a HIP volunteer, I hope our visitors have seen that this donation only scratches the surface of the need across the North.”

 

The initiative, a partnership of Siemens Energy Canada, Corporations for Community Connections and HIP, a not for profit created by Rotary, involves the collection and refurbishment of over 80 laptops donated by Siemens Energy Canada in Toronto and refurbished BY the Corporations for Community Connections in Montreal. The laptops were distributed by rotary HIP volunteers. “These laptops, now fully operational and equipped with essential software,” said Philip Schaus, President and CEO of Corporations for Community Connections, “are set to benefit students and community members in Thunder Bay, where access to digital resources has been historically limited.”

HIP, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering relationships and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, emphasized the importance of technology in today’s educational landscape. "Access to technology is a crucial factor in educational success and economic opportunity," said Rotarian Brian Walmark, a representative from HIP. "By providing these laptops, we're helping to level the playing field for Indigenous students and community members."

 

A going away dinner for the visitors was held and attended by local leaders and representatives from the Indigenous groups and Rotary.  Chief Michelle Solomon of Fort William First Nation and Chief Merle Loon of Mishkeegogamang First Nation personally accepted the refurbished laptops on behalf of their respective First Nations.

Arne Wohlschlegel, President and Managing Director of Siemens Energy Canada said the visit to Indigenous groups located in Thunder Bay was an eye-opening experience.  “There is a great need to get these laptops into the hands of Indigenous Peoples in Northern Ontario,” he said.  “This serves their need and it keeps these laptops out of the landfill. It’s a win / win for all of us and I look forward to seeing these donations expand across Canada and the Untied States.”

This donation is part of a broader effort by HIP and its partners to support Indigenous communities through technology, education, and cultural, and sports initiatives, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable society by building bridges between Newcomers and Indigenous Peoples through Truth and Reconciliation.