UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

Today, the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick, in partnership with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), officially launched its mobile makerspace initiative, Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars, at Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) Maqiyahtimok Centre.

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program, with additional support from the TD Ready Challenge, the initiative will bring the world's first quantum machine in a mobile makerspace to Indigenous youth across New Brunswick.

A mobile makerspace is a travelling workshop that brings tools, technology, and hands-on learning opportunities directly to communities.

In collaboration with UNB’s departments of physics and chemistry, the unit will deliver interactive workshops in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), including a first-of-its-kind Kwan-tek's KWANTEACH quantum physics teaching platform, providing accessible quantum phenomena demonstrations.

“Wabanaki in Motion NB was developed to help close the educational gap Indigenous youth face by removing barriers and creating opportunities for them to explore STEAM and future careers in a way that is accessible, culturally grounded, and community-led,” said Stanley Barnaby, Chief Executive Officer at JEDI. “The mobile unit was created with input from Indigenous youth and Elders. They helped shape every aspect of the space from its design and colours to the programming offered. Their ideas and creativity are reflected throughout ensuring that the space is meaningful, relevant, and rooted in the community.”

Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing population in Canada yet remain underrepresented in post-secondary education and STEAM fields.

By delivering programming directly within communities, this initiative expands access to culturally grounded STEAM tools without requiring participants to leave home.

“When young people have access to the right tools and encouragement, they begin to see new possibilities for themselves,” said Hon. Frank McKenna, Founder of the McKenna Institute and Deputy Chair of TD Securities. “Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars will help Indigenous youth build practical STEAM skills, grow their confidence, and explore pathways into post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and meaningful careers. The McKenna Institute is proud to support this work alongside JEDI.”

First announced in 2023, as part of the Institute’s Digital Acceleration for Indigenous Youth initiative, participants will explore fields such as digital fabrication, coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and more.

“Education has the power to transform lives,” said Dr. Kathy Wilson, Acting President and Vice Chancellor of UNB. “Initiatives like Wabanaki in Motion NB bring those opportunities directly to communities, meeting students where they are. We are proud to work alongside JEDI, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, and are grateful for their leadership in helping create meaningful, culturally relevant opportunities for Indigenous youth to explore their potential and pursue futures in STEAM fields.”

The program will also help bridge gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth by fostering shared experiences and collaboration, supporting continued progress on the path to reconciliation by engaging with students throughout the province.

“Indigenous youth have the talent, curiosity, and vision to lead in the technologies shaping our future,” said Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “This is why we are so proud to support Wabanaki in Motion NB: Roots to Stars in its vital mission to bring cutting-edge, culturally grounded STEAM learning to young people in their communities. This partnership will support Indigenous youth to learn and lead in technology and innovation in ways that meet community needs and aspirations.”

About the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a leading Indigenous organization dedicated to working with partners to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick. Founded in 1995, JEDI provides its clients with a variety of Indigenous business and workforce development services. JEDI programs include Business Incubators and Accelerators, Advanced ICT Training, Trades Training, and Digital and Financial Literacy Training.

About the McKenna Institute

The McKenna Institute helps New Brunswick strengthen its use of technology by focusing on where adoption can create the greatest impact. Rooted in collaboration and a belief in New Brunswick’s potential, the Institute fuels economic growth and social progress through initiatives that help educators, workers and business owners use technology with confidence and purpose.

About UNB

Established in 1785, the University of New Brunswick is Canada’s longest standing English-language university and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive institution. Located on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land, UNB’s Fredericton and Saint John campuses welcome nearly 10,000 students from over 100 countries, offering a world class education across more than 250 innovative programs, certificates and diplomas. UNB is New Brunswick's sponsored research leader, advancing knowledge in areas including energy, health, environment and security. Together, UNB is transforming communities and helping shape a more just, equitable and inclusive world.

Media contacts

UNB: media@unb.ca
The McKenna Institute: l.floyd@unb.ca
JEDI: lori.nash@jedinb.ca
Mastercard Foundation: cogrady@mastercardfdn.org