Indigenous History Month Software Tester Spotlights

Press Release

We want to introduce you to our team by putting the spotlight on a few of the remarkable members of our Indigenous software testing family from across Canada.  While these stories were originally featured on social media during Indigenous History Month in June 2020, we want to give you a chance to continue celebrating all year long, so we’ve complied them below.

Keisha Nguyen, PLATO Fredericton

“Working as a software tester with PLATO was not what I expected. I did not expect the people I work with to become a work family. Everyone is very understanding and always willing to help each other out.

Honestly, a career in IT was not something I had been thinking about before I decided to apply for the software testing course. Sure, in high school my computer science teacher suggested it to me a lot while in his class. Turns out, he was right!

I feel like opportunities in IT help others in my community, and even other communities, realize that it is possible to be different, take a different path than the ones we always see. I hope that in the future we, Indigenous people, can make a bright imprint in the IT industry and community. I believe we can and will.”

Candice Tangie,  PLATO Sault Ste. Marie

“Last year was the first time that I actually celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day. The PLATO team in Sault Ste. Marie went to Ojibway Park and participated in a Women’s Walk in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women hosted by Garden River First Nation. I felt like I was really a part of something.

There was a young girl that had written a poem about what it was like being a girl and a native woman and it was really powerful to me. Most of the team went, and I felt that it brought us closer because we were out doing something together as a team as well as doing something that was part of our heritage.

This year’s a little bit difficult with the restrictions around COVID-19, but I think that it is important, and actually fun, learning about the culture and heritage and all the things that they used to do including cooking, jewelry, and art even. I am thinking about looking for online to learn how to bead. I think that would be really cool.”

Connor Thomson, PLATO Sask Regina

“Hearing about PLATO Sask Testing and the opportunity to receive training that included an internship and job offer was refreshing. The opportunity was not just a job offer, but a career in IT.

I feel happy with where I am at and knowing I can grow in this position with the training I received. I went into the workplace prepared with the testing knowledge I needed, plus the benefit of getting new experience with the clients we work with.

Being a part of the first PLATO Sask Testing program in Saskatchewan is something I am proud to be included in. I see how positive this has been for my colleagues and myself and I hope in the future more Indigenous youth become involved in IT and grow an interest into a career.”

Shawnee Polchis-Lanteigne, PLATO Fredericton

“Working as a software tester has been a lot more than what I expected. Initially, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but I started getting opportunities that made me feel like what I was doing, as a career, was so much more than working on computers.

Since starting a career in IT, I’ve travelled and attended events as an Indigenous person in IT and I’ve met so many people, of all ages, from different tribes across the country. I have attended events that allowed me to speak with young Indigenous children about working in the IT field and attend galas and panels to speak to other IT professionals to discuss the importance of diversity in the IT world. I’ve also been able to travel to talk to potential clients and visit different Indigenous communities to share my story and be a part of the search for the future software testers.

Being able to reach out to other communities across the country and work with organizations who are excited to celebrate our background makes me feel like I am doing my part in learning, preserving my culture and showing how beautiful it actually is.”

Nathan Tootoosis, PLATO Sask Regina

“The story of my late father Jake Tootoosis is important to me as an example of character. He grew up dirt poor in an isolated community in northern Saskatchewan and was raised by his maternal grandparents.

My father failed grade one because he didn’t speak English and grew up with teachers telling him he wouldn’t amount to anything. He faced other issues growing up such as dropping out of high school, substance abuse, and racism. For a time, he worked as a janitor in the post-secondary school he also attended.

Being a bi-lingual Cree-speaking first nation lawyer with a law degree from Osgoode Hall, he ended up becoming an important player in shaping policy on a national level. Knowing how Indigenous people are treated unfairly in the justice system and the general population, he worked to improve the lives of Indigenous people across the country.

Jake took on important cases involving First Nation treaty rights. From doing the legal work for tax-free fuel and tobacco, land claims, providing legal advice and taking on cases to those who could not afford it, my father had his hand in everything it seemed.

He taught classes in criminology, criminal law, land administration, and Indian government law. He held notable positions as the legal advisor and Director of Justice on Indian Child and Family Services for the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Executive Director at Saskatchewan Indian Gaming and Licensing, Executive Director for Treaty Governance at Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and worked on land claims for the Government of Canada.

Despite how busy he was fighting for Indigenous people, my father always found time to spend with his sons. There are countless moments of his love that we all experienced and he was the best dad I could have ever asked for. His legacy inspires me to never give up and to be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday.

He once told me that “It’s not what you have done in life that defines success, it’s who you are as a person.” Cherish your loved ones, treat others with respect, help those in need, fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, and let’s move forward together for a better tomorrow.”

Joshua Joseph, PLATO Fredericton

“I like being able to learn and then keep learning. Being a software tester with PLATO Testing is perfect for that.

When I was supposed to be interviewed for the Indigenous Software Testing course, I had to be in Halifax with my son. He was in the IWK because his own immune system started to attack his body and it really scared us. The Joint Economic Development Initiative told me about a program that was starting in Fredericton while I was staying in Halifax and I said “sign me up!”

I did my interview over video call with Matt Amos and I got in, and it worked out and I was able to join the class when I got back to Fredericton. I wasn’t even working for PLATO yet and I already felt like part of family.

I’m proud to be where I am. It has been a lot of work, but it is all definitely worth it. It’s really exciting to see all my fellow Indigenous People advancing in the IT industry with me.”

Kimberly Ryder, PLATO Sask Regina

“My experience in IT has been very enjoyable, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I saw an opportunity to learn something new, so I went for it.

Figuring out ways of testing turned into something I enjoy, but at the start, I was out of my comfort zone every day.

I feel proud of being an Indigenous software tester. I believe that more Indigenous People will help grow the IT industry.”

Trudy Alexson, PLATO Calgary

“I miss my team and classmates because we can’t work or visit each other right now due to the COVID – 19. I am happy we have video chat which helps with anything we need to reach out to coworkers with.

With my classmates at first, none of us knew each other, but it didn’t take very long for us to get to know each other and bond. We’ve been able to share our past experiences as classmates to learn more about how we understand things and understand each other.

Nobody turned their back on you in class or showed any kind of judgment around us as classmates. It felt really empowering for all of us to get together.

We could study together and ask each other questions during breaks. We had a good group and we’re all still great friends.”

Scott Dillon, PLATO Calgary

“My cousin Eddie “Tex” Dillon, he passed away a few weeks ago, in Tuktoyaktuk, where he was the mayor in the 1990’s.

For decades he was a presence on the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation whose goal was to allow Inuvialuit equal and meaningful participation in the northern and national economy and preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity and values in a changing northern society.

He believed in seeing the positive in every situation and was a fierce defender of his Arctic Ocean community. In 1985, he took part in a protest against the voyage of United States Coast Guard Vessel Polar Sea, an icebreaker that crossed the Northwest Passage without formal approval from the Canadian Government. He fought to get Canada to say that these waters are ours. He reminded the Inuvialuit leaders of their responsibilities, and to face all challenges as one. Community is number one.

I want to live my life the way he did and that’s how I want to work with PLATO. We’re all one company, we’re all one team, we’re all one people. We’re all one.”

Greg McNeil, PLATO Vancouver

“When I first heard about the Indigenous Software Tester Training Course in Vancouver, I had also heard Indigenous people in IT made up a very low percentage of the working population in IT.

In the beginning, I was hoping to one day gain enough experience to lead my own class or my own group in my Northern Territory. Up there it is kind of a remote location, but there are a lot of people up there that I know would be gaining valuable experience from working in IT.

Now that I’m hearing how much PLATO has grown over the last three years it is phenomenal. It is an ever-growing sector and you look at how things are, even now, the IT industry is one of the only industries with all the things going on in the world with COVID-19 where we can all work from home.

Since joining PLATO, I have gotten more involved in my People’s culture, I have joined our local dance group Kwhlii Gibaygum Nisga’a Dancers, and am also learning our language. When all of this is over, I cannot wait to see and be with them again”

Shawnee Polchis-Lanteigne, PLATO Fredericton

“Ever since I was little, my family and I would travel to Fredericton to go to St. Mary’s Powwow that takes place on National Indigenous Peoples Day. When I was younger it was one of the only Indigenous events I went to or even really knew of. It felt extra special because I was able to see my whole family there, from both sides of my family.

It is important to mark Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day every year. It celebrates a new year, with food and dance and song. It is a way to be united and helps teach others, and ourselves about our history.

For me, it also honours our ancestors and everything they have been through to allow us to thrive today. We celebrate the lives lost, and heal, and it is a way to gather together in memory of the people who have passed. After my siblings were born, who are not native, I was able to teach and celebrate my culture with them.

I have not made any significant plans this year because of COVID-19, but I try to smudge every day and listen to a lot more drumming.”

Nathan Tootoosis, PLATO Sask Regina

“I mark Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day by waking up every day and becoming more than I was the day before.

I mark it by communing with my heart as I remember the past and pray for the betterment of not just myself, but for the world as a whole.

I’ve heard people tell of encounters of meeting others who thought we were extinct or people who have no idea what atrocities Indigenous People have gone through, such as residential schools.

I think this month and this day are significant in the spreading of awareness of our existence, and showing others that we aren’t just a bland stereotype, but a proud people with a vibrant culture rich in diversity itself with innumerable dialects, traditions, stories, medicine, history, art, and more.”

Trudy Alexson, PLATO Calgary

“The team I work with now – when I came in as an intern at TC Energy, I didn’t know what to expect; I was nervous, but excited at the same time. So far everyone is very knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge. They’re great mentors and I’m learning every day.

Software testing is always a new challenge and I love all the challenges this internship has to offer. When we accept those challenges, we rise above knowing that you’re on the right track.

On this project, with the company I’m with right now, the work is so rewarding, and they are happy and pleased with my work. There is no judgement and the team is always there to help when needed.

Working with PLATO Testing I would say reach out to your mentors, team leads, the team you work with and past classmates because we’re all here for you. We’re all family and we will help in any way we can.”

Rene Keshane, PLATO Vancouver

“I always wanted a career in IT. I’ve always been very technical and a fast learner when it came to computers and software. I thought the concept of an Indigenous-owned and operated company was really exciting. My experience with PLATO Testing has been great and I would say without a doubt being a software tester went beyond what I expected.

I am proud to be one of the first Indigenous women working in IT. Most of the time I’m the only Indigenous person in some of the companies I’m doing work for and I want to open doors for more Indigenous people to follow through into the IT industry. Within the first two weeks of my first year with PLATO, I was asked to do a demo presentation for executives of a major US company.

The challenge works well for me and it has encouraged me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I hope to see more Indigenous people working in all aspects of software development and beyond!”

Connor Thomson, PLATO Sask Regina

“It’s important to share our history because it needs to be preserved. Knowing the history of Carry the Kettle means that I know what my people went through for me to be here today. The history and relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada is important for me to understand. Marking this month is crucial to spreading awareness that we are all a part of Indigenous history.

From my community, the Chiefs once hosted Sitting Bull for a Sundance ceremony in 1877, and this quote mentioned can be found on the Carry the Kettle website.

‘Upon signing an adhesion to Treaty 4 in 1877, the Assiniboine wanted a reservation in their traditional home territory of the western end of the Cypress Hills. The Head of the Mountain (Hay He Pa) 18 miles west of Fort Walsh, was and is a place of great significance to the Assiniboine. Here just south of the Head of the Mountain is Medicine Lodge Coulee, this is where the Assiniboine would hold their annual Sundance and once even invited and hosted Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotake) and his Lakota tribe for the ceremony in 1877”

Scott Dillon, PLATO Calgary

“There has been a stigma forever that if you work hard enough at it you can get anything you want. I’ve never really believed that and what my experience in the Indigenous Software Tester Course with PLATO Testing has shown me is that it’s not the amount of effort, but the opportunities that are given to you and the leaps of faith into those opportunities that you take.

I never once saw myself in the IT field, but I saw the opportunity and I took that leap of faith. Now I see that this is exactly what I’ve been working my whole life towards in bits and pieces. It all makes sense now.

To be in a class with 11 other Indigenous people was an experience I never had in my life. In college or university, even if there were other Indigenous People in your class, there could be 200 other people there. We were in an intimate class setting and we’re all sharing very similar backgrounds.

Now we’ve started working from home and it has shown us that from Fredericton all the way to Vancouver, there are people who I have met virtually who are here to help me. I may be in my own place, but we have a countrywide network of people who know things and have experiences I haven’t had yet. I don’t feel alone.

I hope for the future that more Indigenous people step out of their comfort zones. Go try and take that leap of faith and try something new and you’ll never know what you’re capable of.”

Shawnee Polchis-Lanteigne, PLATO Fredericton

“I don’t know a lot of stories, but one that has always stood out, I heard from an elder who was at my high school. It’s partially about the creation of the world. When everything was pretty much already created, there was a lot of snowfall on the earth. To the point, where the animals were starting to worry that they were going to freeze to death. So, they decided to go to the Creator to try and get the snow to stop

“The Rainbow Crow, who had a beautiful singing voice and colourful feathers, decided he would volunteer to be the messenger. The crow flew up to the Creator and couldn’t get their attention, so he started singing. Eventually, the crow got their attention and explained the situation and asked for the snow to stop and to go away before everyone dies.

Once a life was created, the Creator couldn’t kill it. Once the snow was thought of, they couldn’t un-think it. Everyone was about to give up, but then the Creator says, “I can give you a stick with fire.” They light the stick on fire by using the sun’s flame and give it to Rainbow Crow.

The Rainbow Crow takes the fire stick and returns home, but as he is flying home and melting the snow in his path, the fire singes all of his feathers, turning them black. The smoke had ruined his beautiful singing voice as well.

While the crow was grieving that he lost his beautiful colours and voice, the Creator said, “Now the humans will leave you alone and not capture you and keep you as pets or harvest you and eat you as food.”

What I love about this story, is that if you look very closely at a crow’s feathers, you will notice that they are so dark that the sun creates rainbow colours in just the right light.”

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