Indigenous Relations & Supports at NorQuest College joins the Actua Network

Ottawa - September 13, 2021

Today, Actua announced NorQuest College as its newest network member. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Norquest College joins Actua’s network of over 40 universities and colleges and is the 4th member located in Alberta.

 “We are pleased to welcome Indigenous Relations & Supports at NorQuest into our network.” said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua. “NorQuest is deeply committed to removing systemic barriers to education. This commitment will play an integral role in helping Actua magnify its reach and impact as we work together to reach local Indigenous youth with meaningful and culturally relevant STEM experiences that build critical skills and confidence.”

NorQuest College’s Indigenous Relations & Supports will work with Actua to deliver InSTEM (Indigenous Youth in STEM) programming for Indigenous youth in Edmonton and the surrounding communities, offering workshops, camps and clubs designed primarily for grades 7-12. 

“Actua is a leader in promoting inclusive STEM education for youth, specifically those from Indigenous and other underrepresented communities. Our partnership with Actua will help instill confidence in local Indigenous youth as both organizations value showcasing how traditional Indigenous practices and wisdom are rooted in STEM foundations to help foster pride and growth.” said Tibetha Kemble, Senior Manager, Indigenous Relations & Supports. “Actua also emphasizes the importance of land-based learning which is a vital component of Indigenous education which I believe is important to preserve Indigenous traditions. Through Actua’s accessible resources and reach, we will be able to help educators incorporate Indigenous STEM practices into lesson plans which will ultimately help open doors for Indigenous youth and communities.” 

As part of Actua’s growing network, Indigenous Relations & Supports at NorQuest College will contribute to a national strategy for equipping Canadian youth with skills and experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Actua network members receive access to training, resources, funding and day-to-day support as they grow their programs.

About Indigenous Relations & Supports at NorQuest College:

The InSTEM program at NorQuest College engages Indigenous youth in Edmonton and surrounding area by delivering STEM oriented programming with an Indigenous perspective. We offer programming for youth in grades 7-12, but high school students are our target. Our goal is to inspire and foster interest in STEM for Canada’s next generation of growing Indigenous STEM professionals by incorporating Indigenous ways of life and knowledge with current topics in STEM to provide culturally  relevant education. Visit the Indigenous Student Services webpage for more information.  

About Actua

Actua is Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing over 40 university and college- based members. Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations reach over 350,000 young Canadians in 500 communities nationwide. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Actua’s major funding partners include: Government of Canada, Google Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD, Toyota Canada Foundation, Finning Canada,Microsoft Canada, Imperial, and Lockheed Martin Canada. For more information about Actua, visit actua.ca

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Contact Information:                                                                    

Katrina King, Director of Communications, Actua

111 Murray Street, Ottawa ON K1N 5M5

Tel: (613) 234 4137                                                                     

E­mail: katrina.king@actua.ca