Indigenous STEM Resources
September 30 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. As we continue to reflect and learn, we want to highlight a few Indigenous-led or centred science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives, among many, that may be of interest to our fellow science-enthusiasts. Some are courses, some are youth focussed activities, all are meaningful. Explore below and let us know of any other Indigenous-led STEM initiatives you’ve come across by email.
Read/Watch
Season 2 of Coastal Insights takes a “two eyed seeing” approach to understanding British Columbia’s coast and conservation challenges.
Learn about inspiring Indigenous peoples who have helped shape Canadian scientific and research history.
An engaging in-depth article from The Narwhal showcasing the intersection of Western science and traditional Indigenous knowledge.
A blog post highlighting Indigenous women and Two-spirit folks in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and their fight for their traditions to be recognized.
Check out the recordings from this symposia revitalizing Star Knowledge with Indigenous communities worldwide.
A conversation with Wilfred Buck, science facilitator at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre and Indigenous star lore expert.
Indigenous Courses
A free online course exploring indigenous ways of knowing and how they can benefit all students.
An interactive digital guide highlighting the intersection of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and the science of sugar maples.
A University of Alberta course centering Indigenous peoples’ relationships to science and technology field.
Youth Programming
An Indigenous community centre in Winnipeg hosting STEM programming for youth.
Indigenous-led and culturally-relevant youth STEM programming.
Details of Ryerson University’s SciXchange Indigneous Outreach initiatives.
Providing access to engineering for Indigenous students in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
An academic bridging course for Indigenous students intending to pursue Science programs at Lakehead University, in Thunder Bay.
Education programming in Fort St. James, British Columbia, bridging Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and natural resource management practices.
Indigenous youth mentorship program based in British Columbia.
Indigenous youth STEM programming from Western University Engineering Outreach.
STEM Clubs from Ontario Tech University grounded in Indigenous land-based learning.
A program for Indigenous secondary students who are interested in learning more about STEM.
Details on Actua’s InSTEM Program.
Indigenous Retail
Public Health
A public health project providing timely, accurate, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant information about COVID-19 vaccinations to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples living in urban and related homelands.
Research
An international research and teaching hub, housed at the University of Alberta, for the bourgeoning sub-field of Indigenous Science, Technology, and Society.
Research from the University of Alberta exploring how to better support pregnant women in Indigenous communities.
A short film highlighting a project that aims to address the dearth of genomic research for Indigenous populations.