FPDI Robotics Program
Since 2015, FPDI has recognized the importance of promoting IT-related careers to First Nations youth. With funding from Indigenous Services Canada, the Robotics Program has grown into a highly sought-after initiative, employing 26 Indigenous Youth Instructors and successfully training over 1,500 students to date, with more being taught each year. Participants have joined from 93 communities, benefiting from hands-on learning in STEAM and robotics.
Starting in 2025, the program will evolve to incorporate a wider range of cutting-edge technology. FPDI will utilize LEGO EV3 Mindstorms, VEX V5, and newly developed courses featuring the Sphero RVR+ and LEGO Spike PRIME. To accommodate more schools and participants, sessions will be streamlined into a one-week format. The popular drone workshop will continue as a one-day augmentation, introducing students to drone technology, its applications, and career pathways.
Workshops, facilitated by FPDI Youth Instructors, emphasize hands-on, self-directed learning while fostering teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creative expression. Equipment is designed to support up to 10 students per session, with a maximum of 15 if some participants opt to work in pairs.
Additionally, high school students who complete the program—through a collaboration with an educational institution—will now be eligible for a half-credit, enhancing their academic and career prospects. With its proven success and continued innovation, the FPDI Robotics Program remains a premier opportunity for First Nations youth to explore STEAM careers in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Sign up for our Summer 2025 Workshops!
over 1500
Youth Trained
Prerequisites
Passion for technology
Gaming Experience
Program Details
- Introduction to programming and coding
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Introduction to STEM concepts
- Frontier School Division provides ½ a credit for the workshop
- Drone flight operations, videography, flying techniques, programming flight plans, demonstrations
- All participants receive a certificate after completion
Career Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for jobs using Robotics; Information Technology, web development, programming, engineering, designing, and many other areas.
Drones is an exciting field that is quickly becoming a widely used tool in search & rescue, equipment & infrastructure inspection, shipping and delivery, filming and journalism including elevation mapping of terrain. The knowledge of programming and flying drones opens up a plethora of opportunities.
Testimonials
“I really enjoy working with the kids, seeing the expressions on their face. I understand how they feel as it is the same as how I felt when I learned to program. Everything these days is more technology so I felt the need to get to know programming as there are going to be more jobs out there that involve programming.”
“I had a lot of fun learning how to fly the Tello drone and learning scratch programming”
Contact us to register for one of these Summer workshops.
FPDI
ROBOTICS YOUTH FORUM
WINNIPEG 2018
FPDI began a Robotics training program in 2016. FPDI hosted a two-day “Robotics Youth Forum” in Winnipeg to bring together participants from past training session with First Nation youth in Winnipeg.
First Nation Youth from Northern communities mentored and supported Winnipeg Youth and introduced them to the world of Robotics. The Winnipeg Youth were introduced to the STEM concepts by learning through play at this two-day event.
It was a great team building and networking workshop for Manitoba Youth!
FPDI
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