Indigenous students

Researchers and Indigenous students learn about Grand River

Researchers and Indigenous students learn about Grand River

On June 15, grade nine students from Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) and the STEAM Academy program donned their waders to join researchers Charles de Lannoy, Karen Kidd and Waterloo Biology Professor Mark Servos to conduct experiments in the Grand River. In its first year, this joint initiative led by McMaster University and the University of Waterloo, is a land-based experiential learning approach to science and engineering. The event is a pilot for a micro-credential course in which the students could eventually gain a McMaster University credit by the end of high school.

Mandamin family hopes Indigenous students will bring 'true selves to school' following building name change

Mandamin family hopes Indigenous students will bring 'true selves to school' following building name change

The daughter of a famous Anishnaabe water advocate from Wiikwemkoong said she is moved that a school in Pickering will be named in honour of her mother. Sir John A Macdonald Public School will soon be renamed the Biidassige Mandaamin Public School. From 2003 to 2017, Josephine Mandamin walked around the Great Lakes, bringing awareness to water and environmental issues – especially those in First Nations.

OTF and Water First Announce Success of Pilot Conservation Workshops Inspiring Indigenous Students to Become Future Water Scientists

OTF and Water First Announce Success of Pilot Conservation Workshops Inspiring Indigenous Students to Become Future Water Scientists

World Nature Conservation Day (July 28th) underscores the need for more opportunities to empower Indigenous youth to cultivate interest in, and develop a passion for, water science. With a Seed grant of $71,700 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Water First has been inspiring and engaging Indigenous students to become future water scientists. Through consultation with Indigenous community partners, Water First has delivered a series of in-person and virtual conservation workshops to explore watershed health and water quality through experiential and project-based learning.