The Indigenous youth science camp at the First Nations University, Regina. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
First Nations and Inuit students, many from isolated areas across Canada, are in Regina this week to take part in a national science camp.
It’s the first time it is being held in western Canada, and the First Nations University (FNUniv) is thrilled to be the host venue for the budding scientists.
The students range in age from 12 to 15 and have shown a keen interest in science and science projects.
Samantha Putumiraqtuq, 13, comes all the way from Nunavut. She developed a battery-powered cell phone charger and after writing up her project and biography she was selected to take part in the camp. She enjoys competing, learning and getting feedback.
“I get excited about what they think about it so I can get better at my next science fair, and what I need to get stronger at,” she said.
FNUniv professor Vincent Ziffle will be working with the students in his area of expertise, organic science. He says the students are real keeners when it comes to soaking up new information.
“Science is something that becomes very interesting at a young age,” he said. “And when you become inquisitive about why things happen the way they do that’s the right time to take science very seriously.”
There is lots planned during the week-long event including Lego robotics, the chemistry of cooking, tours of the Science Centre and the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon, and a trip to the All Nations Healing Centre in Fort Qu’Appelle.
The science camp is sponsored by Indigenous Affairs Canada.