Meet the Indigenous Youth Cracking Open Doors to the World’s Top Tech Companies

Jessie LaChance, Levi Aysanabee, Hope Sanderson, and Allan Porter posing after discussion - Credit: Dave McGinn

Sierra Pope | Multimedia News Intern

4-minute Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Studies show, “Throughout the history of the series, AIANs (American Indians and Alaska Natives) had higher unemployment rates and lower labor force participation rates than the total population.” Yet, with the accessibility of unlimited resources, one-on-one mentorship, inclusive networking, transformative things happen, changing statistics for the better.

After starting a dance collective, Levi Aysanabee unexpectedly began to envision business ideas, and received support from major technology companies–thanks to the new professional studies certificate program, Future Leaders Next Level, created by the national charity–Outside Looking In.

Outside Looking In logo - Credit: Outside In (Website)

Aysanabee has been enrolled in the certificate course since January of 2025, which has contributed career-based elevation for young Indigenous people living in remote communities. The development of Future Leaders Next Level provides an efficient way for Indigenous individuals to explore careers they may not otherwise have exposure to.

“They’re also starting to build their own professional acumen,” Chief Executive Officer Hope Sanderson stated. “What does it mean to be a professional, and do I want to work in the corporate environment? And if I do, what’s out there for me?”

Over 13 weeks, guest speakers help to answer questions in virtual meetings, and participants get paired with mentors, many of whom work with Sun Life, which sponsors the program.

Sun Life logo - Credit: Sun Life (Website)

Presentation topics range from working in skilled trades to being a paramedic. Two Indigenous members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have spoken to the class, and an Indigenous woman has talked about her job in Alberta’s Ministry of Justice.

“We’re trying to make our youth see there are Indigenous people in these organizations,” Sanderson proclaimed.

Moreover, the highlight of the program consists of a weeklong trip to Toronto. During this time, Jessie LaChance and Aysanabee, along with other attendees, spoke with staff at Microsoft, IBM, Sun Life, Amazon Web Services, and Toronto Metropolitan University.

“It’s about how to make your résumé stand out,” said Allan Porter, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer expressed. “There’s so many opportunities in technology, and it’s about creating that awareness and then enabling students to come in and talk to different technologists in different professions.”

While the program gives Indigenous youth the chance to familiarize themselves with industry professionals, the center of Outside Looking In remains rooted in fine arts. 

Celebrated as Canada’s largest Indigenous performance, the organization will host its 18th annual show on May 9th, 2025, at Chrysalis Theatre. Purchase your tickets today!