(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – August 10, 2013): Algoma University’s campus will be bustling this week as 40 Aboriginal students from across Canada participate in the 2016 First Nations Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES) National Aboriginal Science Camp – Sault Ste. Marie, sponsored by Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
“We are very pleased to be hosting the regional FNIYES National Science Camp,” said Judy Syrette, Director of the Anishinaabe Initiatives Division at Algoma U. “Camps like these encourage Aboriginal youth to become involved in education through the sciences and technology, while also giving them the opportunity to take part in traditional cultural activities that are directly connected to their heritage.”
Students aged 12–15 from various provinces, who have demonstrated a keen interest in science and technology, will take part in this one week camp. The camp helps First Nations and Inuit youth gain employment skills while also introducing them to new career paths and opportunities.
On Thursday, faculty members, including Drs. Nairne Cameron, Jennifer Foote, and Miguel Garcia-Ruiz from the Departments of Geology and Geography, Biology, and Mathematics and Computer Science will deliver various workshops that will encourage active participation in various hands-on activities.
Students will also participate in a sacred fire ceremony with an elder as well as visit the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre.
Participants will stay in residence for the duration of the camp.
About Algoma University
Algoma University was established in 1965 and is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Algoma University is a small, undergraduate, teaching-focused university that places an emphasis on serving the needs of Northern Ontario. Algoma University offers a wide range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma University has a special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal populations and other communities. Algoma University also offers satellite programming in Brampton and Timmins. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.
