Students from Cowessess First Nation who attended a program at the Saskatchewan Science Centre learned more about computer programming and robotics and visited with several distinguished guests.
The Nanan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academy hosted the inaugural First Nations Family STEM Program on March 18. Shaun Nanan, the program head at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s computer engineering technology department, founded the academy in Moose Jaw.
The program’s goal is to empower and inspire Aboriginal youths to pursue careers in STEM fields and provide them with the tools and resources to succeed. According to Nanan co-founder Zlatan Fazlagic, the community and area businesses have been enthusiastic about the program since they see the potential for these youths to make a difference in Saskatchewan.
Nanan Academy and former Cowessess chief Cadmus Delorme initiated the First Nations Family STEM Program, while sponsors were the reserve, K+S Potash Canada, Saskatchewan Science Centre, Enbridge, SIGA and Sarah and David Rosen from Victoria, British Columbia.
Delorme was one guest who interacted with the kids during the March 18 event, along with Regina-Northeast MLA Gary Grewal, Cowessess director of education Sandy Pinay-Shindler and Melissa Shepherd, manager of indigenous relations at K+S Potash Canada.
During the visit, Delorme said, “We need to work together to ensure that First Nations youth have the same opportunities as everyone else. Programs like this are a great way to make that happen.”
A report by The Conference Board of Canada shows fewer than two per cent of people working in STEM professions are Aboriginal, so to overcome those challenges, it is important for communities to continue working together to support youths, Fazlagic said.
“Programs like the First Nations Family STEM Program in Regina are a crucial step towards empowering and inspiring indigenous youth to pursue careers in STEM fields,” he stated.
The program helps the youths explore related fields and build valuable skills. Through weekly workshops and hands-on activities, students can engage with subjects such as robotics, coding, video game creation, graphic design, and math while developing problem-solving skills.
Besides learning about STEM, the students also taught Nanan words in the Cree language. The word of the day was “miyo wahkohtowin” or “working together.”
“The students and families could connect with leaders in the community and learn more about the possibilities that lie ahead. The guests provided inspiration and encouragement, sharing their own experiences and offering advice on how to succeed in the field,” said Fazlagic.
“They also acknowledged the hard work and dedication that the students and their families are making toward their education.”
Visit Nanan STEM Academy's website for more information.
