ADALIA NIERBERGALL, a proud member of District One of the Métis Nation of Alberta (formerly Region 3), has never taken her path for granted. Growing up in care, she became a passionate advocate for child welfare and the unique challenges youth face when aging out of the system. Her lived experience has shaped the way she approaches the world.

Like many others in her position, financial barriers made post-secondary education feel out of reach. The weight of student loans was daunting, and despite her interest in continued learning, the costs were hard to justify. One day, while scrolling through social media, Adalia came across a post about IndigiTECH. The word “FREE” immediately caught her eye. After researching both IndigiTECH and IndigiTAL, she realized IndigiTAL aligned more closely with her creative interests and decided to apply.

When Adalia joined the program, she was determined to make the most of every opportunity, even without her own laptop. Thanks to her resourcefulness, and support from friends and the local library, she stayed on track and fully engaged with the program. “Something as simple as access to a device can either unlock opportunities or create yet another barrier,” she reflected. Her story is an important reminder of how meaningful investments in access can help create pathways to success.

Despite these early hurdles, IndigiTAL became a turning point. Adalia created her first digital portfolio and discovered a new medium to explore her artistic side. A traditional painter who works in watercolour, oil, and acrylic, she began experimenting with digital tools like Canva and quickly developed a new passion for creative design.

With a background in healthcare, Adalia had long felt a quiet pull toward a more artistic and expressive life, and IndigiTAL helped her listen to that voice. The program not only built her confidence, it gave her space to imagine new possibilities and introduced her to a community of creatives and professionals who genuinely care about nurturing Indigenous talent.

For Adalia, “Programs like IndigiTAL are more than just learning opportunities - they’re lifelines. for people like me who are ready for something new but need the tools and support to take that first step.”