b'EDUCATION PROFILETech Entrepreneurship Program BY ASHLEY ALBERTSagamok Anishnawbek youth learn how to builda businessT he youth of Sagamok Anishnawbek learned firsthand what it takes to become an entrepreneur. The community, which is located on the north shore of Lake Huron, held a Tech Entrepreneurship Program for youth aged 15 to 24. The three-week program, which began on March 25, is part of a three-phased project to bring a tech hub or MakerSpace to the community. Mitch Gegwetch and the Economic Development department of Sagamok Anishnawbek brought the idea to life. Gegwetch, who is from Sagamok Anishnawbek, is the CEO and founder of Mikinaak, a non-profit targeted at Indigenous well-being. Gegwetch started out using his passion and education background in coding and technology to offer programs in his community. After running the initial program, he decided to start his own organization. Through his research he found that there werent many technology programs being offered in Indigenous communities. During phase one of the project,technology and starting a business. TheyProgram. Twelve students registered and community members of Sagamok Anish- targeted youth between the ages of 15had a 95 per cent attendance rate. nawbek were surveyed to determineand 24 because this was the largest pool the actual need in the community. Anof youth in the community.The program, which ran after school advisory council was assembled to helpfor two hours each day, was designed with the planning of the three phases.Phase two of the project was the feas- to keep the students engaged from the Through the initial research they foundibility study that consisted of running abeginning. Students received hands-on that the youth were interested in bothpilot test of the Tech Entrepreneurshiptraining with a 3D printer; a T-shirt 32l ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE'