In Manawan, AI speaks Atikamekw

Last June, 153 young people from Manawan, an Atikamekw community located 250 kilometres north of Montreal, got their first taste of artificial intelligence at Otapi School. It marked the first time such an initiative had been launched in a Quebec Indigenous community.

The day was part of Printemps numérique‘s Mamo-Mamu program, backed by IVADO, an artificial intelligence consortium. Amélie Côté, IVADO’s senior coordinator for knowledge mobilization and social innovation, is spearheading this partnership that could spark similar initiatives elsewhere.

Letting the community set the tempo

Two main activities shaped the day: an interactive AI conference for all students and an intergenerational workshop on 3D digitization of cultural artifacts.

The entire program was co-developed with the Manawan community. Stéphane Nepton, digital mediation coordinator at Printemps numérique, adapted his presentation by weaving in Atikamekw language terms, making technological concepts more accessible while honouring participants’ cultural identity.

The 3D digitization workshop focusing on Atikamekw cultural objects drew 40 young people in an enriching educational collaboration. A visual arts teacher from the school and an Elder specializing in Indigenous history and languages contributed to this intergenerational cultural transmission activity.

A success that points to the future

The numbers speak for themselves: with 71 girls among the 153 participants, the initiative shows that an inclusive approach can engage young women and men equally in technology.

This success builds on a partnership between IVADO and Printemps numérique launched in fall 2024, aimed at democratizing AI access for Indigenous youth across Quebec.

The Manawan experience proves that technological innovation and respect for cultural identities can not only coexist, but actually strengthen each other. It’s a lesson that extends far beyond this community’s borders and reflects IVADO’s commitment to making technology accessible to all Quebecers.