In this exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Magazine, Denis Villeneuve, Cybersecurity & Resilience Practice Leader for Kyndryl Canada, and Mark Matheson, Executive Sponsor of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group, share their insights on fostering Indigenous representation and economic empowerment in the tech sector. With years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, Denis and Mark discuss the significant role of digital literacy, IT training, and strategic partnerships in bridging the digital divide. They highlight Kyndryl Foundation’s impactful initiatives, like its work with JEDI, and the importance of supporting Indigenous talent, as well as Kyndryl’s commitment to inclusive procurement and workforce development. This conversation delves into the steps needed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and increase diversity within the tech ecosystem, creating pathways for future generations of leaders.
Mark Matheson, as the Vice President of Complex Solutioning Unit and Sales Acceleration, leads a team of dedicated Complex Solution Executive, Solution Managers, and Proposal Writers that drive innovative solutions to design, build, and run Canada’s mission critical IT environments. With over twenty-five years experience in the IT industry, Mark is a trusted advisor to his customers and takes great pride in how his solutions help Canadians. He is innovative and analytical and is actively involved in modernizing the public sector procurement process through his position on the National Board of Technation.
Denis Villeneuve (pronounced “vil·nuv”) is the Cybersecurity & Resilience Practice Leader for Canada at Kyndryl. He has worked in the security industry for over 15 years, delivering complex, multi-year security solutions and services for some of the largest and most diverse clients in Canada. Denis is also the Co-Chair of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group and is a passionate advocate for advancing Indigenous representation in the Canadian tech and cybersecurity sectors.
Could you elaborate on Kyndryl Foundation’s mission and vision, and how its grant programs support communities globally, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and AI skills development?
Denis Villeneuve, Co-Chair of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous employee resource group, Security & Resilience Practice Leader – Canada: Kyndryl Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, and supports the communities where we do business by addressing critical societal issues through local grant funding, volunteerism and investments. We invest in people, ideas and organizations to build a brighter future for communities. Our mission is to envision a world in which every person has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Both cybersecurity and AI have a huge impact on organizations and individuals. The Kyndryl Readiness Report shows that there is a significant gap between organizational intent and actual readiness to mitigate risk in both cybersecurity and AI. A key contributor to this gap is the shortage of skilled resources. The Kyndryl Foundation grants aim to help address the talent gap in these areas by driving skills development initiatives in collaboration with grantee nonprofits.
We want to create a more inclusive and skilled workforce, while addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity and AI professionals.
Twelve nonprofit organizations from 11 countries have been awarded grants this year, including in Canada. The program is expected to touch the lives of more than 55,000 people over the next two years through skills development, awareness and job placement activities.
How does the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) align with Kyndryl Foundation’s goals, and what specific impact do you envision this grant will have on JEDI’s efforts to enhance Indigenous representation in the tech sector?
Mark Matheson, Executive sponsor of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group: JEDI embodies the type of organization that we want to support as we collectively work to build a more inclusive economy. JEDI empowers Indigenous communities through digital literacy and IT training, and they help bridge the gap in rural and underrepresented communities. JEDI is creating sustainable value within Indigenous communities, and we are excited to drive positive social impact together.
JEDI is dedicated to working with partners to foster economic self-sufficiency and workforce development for all Indigenous Peoples and communities in New Brunswick by providing access to training, business development, and IT services, ensuring meaningful participation in the workforce and economy. The program utilizes experienced IT instructors and Indigenous Knowledge keepers and Elders to ensure the educational and cultural balance needed for continued success.
To date, JEDI’s workforce development initiatives have resulted in an impressive 30% increase in Indigenous employment in participating sectors, including IT. The Kyndryl Foundation grant will enable JEDI to grow and enhance its Cybersecurity and IT program, and we aim to help them increase Indigenous representation in tech even further.
As Executive Sponsor of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group, what strategies do you believe are most effective in increasing Indigenous participation in the Canadian cybersecurity and tech industries, and how can other organizations support this initiative?
Mark: I encourage everyone to read the strategies laid out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action #92. It lays out a clear and concise framework that all organizations should embrace. These calls to action include:
- Committing to meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities;
- Ensuring that Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education; and
- Providing education to all staff on the history of indigenous peoples.
I internalize these as follows:
- Through meaningful consultations, we can better understand the barriers to entry for Indigenous resources. We can then adapt internship and early professional hiring programs to better support and mentor this new workforce.
- By working with Indigenous leaders like JEDI and other post-secondary education institutions, we can ensure we continue to develop a pipeline of skills to grow the Canadian talent base.
- By educating management and staff on the history of Indigenous Peoples, we can foster a more inclusive workforce and accelerate innovation by embracing this diversity of experiences.
- By being a voice for change for procurement modernization, we can support Indigenous socio-economic and business development within our own organizations and within our supply chains.
How do you see digital literacy and IT training programs like those supported by Kyndryl Foundation contributing to the broader goal of economic empowerment for Indigenous communities, and what role do you believe these programs play in bridging the digital divide?
Denis: Digital literacy and IT training programs, such as those supported by the Kyndryl Foundation, play a crucial role in empowering Indigenous communities economically. These programs provide essential skills that enable individuals to participate in the digital economy, thereby enhancing their employment prospects and economic self-sufficiency.
JEDI’s program is truly special. It’s accessible, with no up-front costs for students. It’s practical, with students participating in a co-op model with paid internships. And upon completing the full three-tiered program, students earn a two-year college diploma from CCNB, a local college in New Brunswick. It’s relevant, with curriculum developed in collaboration with key industry leaders, Indigenous IT companies, CCNB, and Mi’kmaq/Wolastoqiyik Elders and Knowledge Keepers. In fact, the program integrates spiritual and cultural teachings alongside tech training.
Programs like JEDI’s are vital for empowering Indigenous communities, enhancing their economic opportunities, and bridging the digital divide. They need the support from the tech industry to ensure more Indigenous students have access to this important training that will have a profound impact both in their personal and professional lives.
Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos echoed the importance of focusing on the economy for Indigenous communities in his book Rez Rules. Indigenous communities are the fastest-growing population in Canada, with most individuals under the age of 18. Building pathways to enable them for a bright future is essential for their economic empowerment and bridging the digital divide.
What advice or insights would you like to share with small and medium-sized businesses looking to support Indigenous skills training and increase diversity in their own organizations, and how can they contribute to creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem?
Denis: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to support Indigenous skills training and increase diversity can take several impactful steps. Firstly, partnering with Indigenous educational institutions and organizations, such as JEDI, to offer scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs can significantly enhance Indigenous talent development. Businesses can also create inclusive hiring practices that prioritize diversity and actively seek to employ Indigenous individuals. Providing ongoing cultural competency training for employees can also foster a more inclusive workplace environment that is fueled by knowledge and understanding.
I also encourage companies to create Employee Resource Groups, as we’ve done at Kyndryl, to support Indigenous and other underrepresented groups within the organization, providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy. Recently, our Indigenous and Women’s groups came together to celebrate International Women’s Day. We heard from prominent Canadian female Indigenous leaders, sharing their lived experiences of being Indigenous women in the workplace. This solidarity and show of support for each other was powerful.
These efforts not only benefit Indigenous communities but also bring diverse perspectives and innovation to the businesses themselves, driving growth and success in the long term.
