ATIKAMEKSHENG ANISHNAWBEK, ON (September 29, 2025) – The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) has received funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and governance across the organization. The project, Adoption of AI Applications: Policy and Development, will build capacity within OFNTSC and its partner organizations by creating and implementing an AI Policy, integrating AI governance into risk management, and providing AI education and training for leadership and the Board of Directors.
Through this initiative, OFNTSC will strengthen its ability to protect sensitive data, improve service delivery, and ensure that the benefits of AI are responsibly shared with over 50 First Nations organizations that it serves across Northern Ontario.
“Artificial Intelligence presents both opportunities and risks,” said Melanie Debassige, Executive Director of OFNTSC. “With FedNor’s support, OFNTSC is strengthening its own capacity by developing responsible AI governance within our organization. By doing this important work internally we will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, secure, and innovative services that ultimately support and benefit the First Nations we serve.”
The project will run from October 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and includes surveying the organization on AI use, developing governance tools, and training leadership on AI applications. This initiative reflects OFNTSC’s mission to provide technical advisory services in areas such as environment, housing, infrastructure, operations and maintenance, water and wastewater, and to foster self-reliance among First Nations communities in Ontario.
About the OFNTSC:
Established in 1995, OFNTSC is the first Indigenous organization in Canada mandated to provide professional technical and advisory services to First Nations communities. With more than 30 years of experience, OFNTSC delivers expertise in engineering, infrastructure, environment, and operations while supporting youth outreach and technical training to inspire the next generation of First Nations technical professionals.
For more information, contact Chelsey Johnson at cjohnson@ofntsc.org or 416-709-8738.
