Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars

Meet the Team & Partners

Working together

Our Team

Keisha Nguyen - Mobile Makerspace Manager

Keisha manages and delivers hands-on STEAM programming through the mobile makerspace, bringing digital fabrication and creative technology directly into New Brunswick's schools and community spaces. Her role includes coordinating mobile operations, maintaining advanced equipment, and facilitating workshops using tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC equipment, and electronics.

Since 2022, Keisha has served as a Fabrication Laboratory Instructor with JEDI, where she focuses on empowering Indigenous youth through digital fabrication. She specializes in teaching design software, blending art, culture, and science in a STEAM-based approach to help students develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a deeper connection to innovation. Working closely with educators and community partners, Keisha ensures all programming adapts to local needs, seamlessly incorporating community and cultural context into every learning experience.

Sophie Courcelles - Mobile Makerspace Facilitator

Sophie brings strong technical skills and a robust background in digital design to the Mobile Makerspace team. Her educational background includes Foundation Visual Arts and 3D Digital Design at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD), paired with two years of experience as a 3D modeler with the Army Learning Support Centre.

As a bilingual facilitator with extensive experience in youth mentorship and instruction, Sophie is uniquely equipped to guide and inspire young learners. Her diverse skill set allows her to seamlessly connect technical execution with creative expression in interactive environments.

William Polches - Mobile Makerspace Facilitator

William is from Sitansisk and is a familiar face at JEDI through his extensive engagement with the Fredericton Indigenous Fabrication Laboratory program.

William's hands-on experience in STEAM technologies spans a wide range of practical disciplines, including 3D printing, laser engraving, CNC machining, and sewing. He possesses a strong ability to support and guide others, excelling at creating comfortable, hands-on, and culturally grounded learning environments that meet community members exactly where they are.

Partners

Our Core Partnership

Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars is co-led by the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Since 2023, JEDI and the McKenna Institute at UNB have been working side-by-side with a shared mission to bring cutting-edge technology and digital training straight to Indigenous youth across New Brunswick. Through years of powerful collaboration on training programs and hands-on workshops, this relationship continues to break down barriers to ensure the next generation of Wabanaki creators, innovators, and leaders have the exact skills they need to thrive in today's digital economy.

We also acknowledge the foundational contributions of the Ulnooweg Education Centre, whose support helped shape the early development of this initiative.

Our Supporters

Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars is made possible through the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program and the TD Ready Challenge. Their investments are helping expand access to culturally relevant, community-based STEAM learning and create stronger pathways to education, skills development and future opportunities for Indigenous youth.