Social Impact

First and foremost, SmartICE supports the needs of communities where we operate. Our source of strength is based on a combination of traditional Indigenous knowledge, the latest science using advanced environmental monitoring solutions, and our commitment to economic and social development to preserve local cultures and lifestyles.

Our social enterprise business model is consistent with Inuit societal values, and commits to maximizing social impact and creating positive community change while collaboratively delivering ice information services with communities, for communities. SmartICE harnesses the vast potential of young Inuit women and men to embrace science, technology, and traditional knowledge as a vehicle for sustainable employment, economic development, and well-being in their communities. SmartICE provides culturally contextualized training programs that are meaningful and effective in supporting Inuit to thrive and prosper.

The up-skilling support provided by SmartICE increases employability. Inuit who are trained to operate our on-ice technology acquire technical skills that are broadly transferable. Hiring Inuit operators is critical to ensuring that community members have confidence in SmartICE data, knowing that it was produced by combining Inuit knowledge, local observations, and technology that is made in Inuit Nunangat.

Northern Production Trainees

At our Northern Production Centre in Nain (Nunatsiavut), we combine technical training and core social-emotional learning to train Inuit youth in building our instrumentation through the Employment Readiness and Technology Development Program. The program is aimed at those youth “not in education, employment or training” (NEET) to reduce barriers for education and employment. As of July 2021, 19 youth have graduated from our program and over 100 skills certificates have been earned.

Interns & Co-op Students

We are a Work Integrated Social Enterprise (WISE) and we host several interns and co-op students from across the country in a variety of faculties and disciplines such as engineering, business, social work, etc.

Social Enterprises

Wherever possible, SmartICE partners with other social enterprises such as Choices for Youth’s The Shop, which manufactures some of our promotional items and crates for our SmartQAMUTIKs.