Patterns

We recognize that rural, remote and Indigenous communities experience a gap in accessing STEAM education that is exacerbated by a drastic infrastructure deficit in these same communities. Both issues contribute to the “digital divide” – whether it is access to broadband internet, significantly overcrowded housing, lack of safe and welcoming community program spaces or numerous other factors, the Pinnguaq Foundation understands that STEAM learning requires safe and inclusive in-person spaces. As a result we seek funding to help build, renovate and open community STEAM spaces. Such spaces are driven by community need and can take many forms from a dedicated community building to learning spaces in existing facilities like schools and libraries. Examples of projects in include:

• New Community Hub in Iqaluit, Nunavut: In 2026, we will begin a capital campaign to build a vibrant new tech hub in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to meet the growing need for STEAM and workforce development programming for youth and adults living in remote areas of the North.
• Makerspace in Lindsay, Ontario: With our rapid expansion in recent years, we have recently acquired a new 13,248 square foot facility in Lindsay, ON. Our new Makerspace is triple the size of our prior space and allows for more camps and after-school programs for children and youth, workforce training programs, programs supporting seniors and people living with disabilities, parent and educator programs, and drop-in programs for learners of all ages. Participants in Lindsay Makerspace and programming supported out of the space are predominantly from equity-seeking groups facing barriers to STEAM learning and associate well-being. Donations towards our new building helps with the renovation materials and equipment costs. We envision the Makerspace as a vibrant cultural hub of downtown Lindsay.