Indigenous Friends

The history of Indigenous Friends Association is deeply rooted in culture and community.

Founded by Alejandro Mayoral-Banos in 2015, IFA was originally created from the need for Indigenous youth in urban and post-secondary spaces to have access to safer digital spaces and stronger connections with fellow peers.

Alongside that need was something equally important: creating spaces where people could reconnect and rekindle their relationship with traditional Indigenous values, culture, and community.

From there, we grew. We evolved. We expanded.

Today, we offer programs centered around education in digital art, coding, and technology, while continuing to weave culture, community, and safe learning spaces throughout everything we do. Indigenous community members across Canada are welcome to join our programs free from the comfort of their home.
What does support through our programs look like?
It looks like:

• A welcoming place to learn new skills that meets people where they are at.
• Free access to the tools and technology needed to learn.
• Time with Indigenous mentors who share their stories, knowledge, and lived experiences.
• Support that makes participation easier, including childcare and nutrition.
It is about creating spaces where people can focus on learning, creating, and growing without added barriers.

If you would like to support the work we do, you can donate here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/147167

The next iteration of IndigiTAL: Connecting Through Art starts from Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, July 6!

This free online program invites Indigenous learners across Canada to explore digital art creation, build digital skills, develop their portfolios, and connect with Indigenous artists in a supportive creative community. Sessions run Mondays to Wednesdays, 4:30–7:30 PM ET. Link in bio or below to register!

https://indigenousfriends.typeform.com/to/rm4zUIjz