By: Doug Dokis and Jennifer Flanagan
Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Actua proudly honours the rich histories, vibrant cultures and invaluable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. We are grateful for the knowledge and experience of Indigenous Peoples within and beyond our organization.
For over 30 years, our teams at Actua have listened, learned and collaborated with Indigenous individuals, Elders and thought leaders, striving to create inclusive STEM spaces and enhance the educational experiences of Indigenous youth from coast to coast to coast.
With the support of Indigenous Peoples, our National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program continues to grow. We reach 35,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth annually in over 200 Indigenous communities with cultural learning experiences including immersive STEM land camps, workshops and day camps, alongside leadership initiatives for Indigenous youth.
Indigenous people have always known about STEM and our Indigenous STEM workshops, camps and learning spaces combine Indigenous Knowledge with Western STEM concepts. Alongside our Network Members and with support from our partners, we provide a STEM learning experience where Indigenous youth can see themselves and their cultures within it. One where they are supported to pursue ongoing STEM learning and onward towards science and technology careers. We could not do this work without the leadership of Indigenous members of our staff, Board of Directors and among our partners.
Removing barriers to STEM while ensuring all youth from kindergarten to grade 12 and beyond know that there is a place for them in science, technology, engineering and math is core to who we are at Actua and our mission. Our InSTEM program epitomizes this approach. It’s also an important part of our responsibilities toward reconciliation and our unwavering commitment to education equity for Indigenous youth.
Actua recognizes the need for continued action towards reconciliation, including systemic change in our education system and its engagement of Indigenous youth. Please read our “In Solidarity: We Are All Treaty People” land acknowledgement and statement to learn more about Actua’s commitments to reconciliation.
Jennifer Flanagan Doug Dokis
President and CEO Advisor, National Indigenous Youth in STEM Program