This month, we’re reflecting on National Indigenous History Month, sharing highlights from recent events, and offering practical insights to help keep your organization safe and supported. We’ve also included a few lighter updates from our teams as we head into the summer months.
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. It’s a time to learn about the history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It’s also a good moment to reflect on the teachings that continue to shape how many Indigenous communities work and grow.
One common teaching is the idea that everyone uses their skills to strengthen the whole community. This value guides how we work at Saltmedia and IT Horizons, every day. We support organizations of all kinds, from government to nonprofits, businesses to community groups. No matter where you are in Canada or around the world, we take time to understand you. We listen to your goals, your challenges, and what matters most to you. We share what we know so your organization can communicate clearly, build a strong online presence, and rely on technology that works the way it should.
We follow this approach not only because we’re Indigenous owned, but because it works. When people and organizations are supported, the whole community becomes stronger.
June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples Day. We hope you were able to take in an event in your community and learn something new.
My experience attending CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa was incredible and full of firsts. It was my first time in the city, my first international conference, and the first time Saltmedia attended this event, which is Canada’s largest defence and security trade show.
Alex and I want to send a big thank you to Cando for the work they did to support the 25 Indigenous businesses they invited to share their pavilion, including Saltmedia. Cando’s leadership strengthens the Indigenous economy and creates real opportunities for Indigenous businesses. Their support is a reminder of how much stronger we are when we work together.
A highlight for us was meeting Christyn Cianfirani, President and CEO of CADSI. We also want to acknowledge her team and the representatives at the Government of Canada booth. They put real effort into highlighting the value Indigenous suppliers bring to local and international supply chains.
Prime Minister Mark Carney made a surprise appearance and spoke about Canada’s commitment to defending our sovereignty and way of life. Hearing this message in person was meaningful for me because of the Indigenous veterans in my family. His commitment reminds me that their sacrifice was not in vain.
We were also proud of the Saltmedia design team who brought Cando’s vision for its pavilion to life. Their work to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans was powerful, and the postcards and brochures they designed for the event sparked so many conversations.
Overall, we had great conversations, learned a lot about the industry, met new partners, and reconnected with familiar faces. We’re excited for what comes next as we continue our path into Canada’s national defence supply chain.
Photo credits: Angie Saltman, Denise Boyer-Payette, & Paul Macedo
Most cyber incidents don’t start with complex attacks. They usually begin with something small, like a phishing email or a link that looks legitimate when it isn’t. More than 90 percent of incidents start this way, which is why cybersecurity awareness is one of the most effective tools any organization can invest in.
At IT Horizons, we help people build everyday cybersecurity skills. Awareness training is included at no extra cost for our managed IT service clients, and it is also available as a standalone service for organizations that want to strengthen their defences.
Across Canada, organizations are also paying closer attention to where their data is stored. Nearly seven in ten businesses now say that keeping information protected within Canada is a top priority. With global uncertainty and more sophisticated attacks, companies want more control and peace of mind.
Our team delivers practical, easy to understand sessions that help people recognize phishing attempts, scams, password risks, and other common threats. Technology is important, but informed users are just as essential. When people know what to watch for, workplaces become safer and more confident.
New risks are emerging too. One in three Canadian companies report having no clear policies for how AI tools are used in their workplace. Gaps like these can create real vulnerabilities as AI becomes part of everyday work.
The good news is that awareness training works. Organizations that invest in ongoing training see fewer incidents, fewer phishing clicks, and stronger overall security. Many insurers now require documented training as part of policy renewals.
Our goal is simple. We want people to feel confident and informed when using technology every day. Cyber threats affect organizations of every size, including nonprofits, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, small businesses, and growing companies across Canada and beyond. With the right knowledge and support, your team can play a powerful role in keeping your workplace safe. Email us at sales@ithorizons.ca or give us a phone call at 780-833-2566 to book a time to discuss your IT Needs.
At the beginning of May, Angie and all three of our student employees attended the 2026 Indigenous Trailblazers Summit in Edmonton. For the students, it was one of their first experiences at a gathering like this, and they jumped in with both feet.
Their enthusiasm was contagious. They made it their mission to connect with everyone they could; Indigenous and non‑Indigenous businesses, community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives. Watching them introduce themselves, ask questions, and soak up every conversation was a highlight of the two‑day event.
As we mentioned in our last email, the Summit is built entirely around panel discussions, and each panel brings together people with very different experiences. It was inspiring to watch our students take it all in. You could almost see them stepping into the working world in real time; connecting ideas, asking insightful questions, and imagining how the experiences shared on stage could shape their own paths.
And they’re doing so well at work. They’re making us a stronger through their curiosity, fresh thinking, and the kind of optimism that comes naturally to students. They’re not weighed down by old habits, so they’re willing to try new approaches and explore new ideas. Yes, supporting youth as they transition into the workplace takes time and guidance, but the return is far greater. Their energy and perspective make us better.
There is so much happening across Canada’s Indigenous economy right now. The scale of innovation, leadership, and collaboration is inspiring, and it can feel overwhelming in the best possible way. There is real momentum, and so many good things are happening.
When you consider that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, it was gratifying to see that we are helping to shape the future.
We’re proud of our student employees for showing up with curiosity, confidence, and respect, and we’re grateful to Trailblazers for creating a space where they could learn, connect, and grow.
After a busy start to 2026, we’ve decided it’s time to stay a little closer to home. With the school year wrapping up, we want the teams at IT Horizons and Saltmedia to enjoy the summer months, recharge, and spend time with their families.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the work slows down. We’ll be here all summer, continuing to support our clients and move projects forward. You can also watch for our monthly newsletters and regular social media updates — we’ll keep sharing what we’re working on and what’s happening in our world.
If anything in this newsletter sparked an idea or raised a question, we’d be happy to talk it through with you. Getting started with us is simple.
After our meeting, you’ll receive a custom plan and quote with clear recommendations, an implementation timeline, and pricing. We’ll make sure everything fits your goals and budget before moving forward. Email us today at sales@saltmedia.ca to discuss your upcoming project.
We live, work, and gather on traditional, unceded, and treaty territories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples from coast to coast to coast. We’re committed to our collective responsibility to the original caretakers of this land and to listening, learning, and acting in ways that support reconciliation.
