Moose Factory, ON — Mitacs and Let’s Talk Science are pleased to announce their partnership in re-launching the Indigenous Mentorship Program offered by Let’s Talk Science at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. This collaboration aims to empower and inspire Indigenous youth in Northern Ontario by providing them with unique opportunities for scientific engagement and mentorship.
The initiative, which will be offered throughout the school year, focuses on students in grades 10 to 12 from Delores D. Echum Composite School in Northern Ontario. It includes volunteer visits to First Nations communities and to the participating universities’ campuses. The program aims to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects while also nurturing a sense of cultural identity and community connection.
Mitacs is known for its dedication to developing the next generation of innovators by equipping them with essential scientific and business skills. By partnering with Let’s Talk Science, Mitacs aims to extend its reach and impact to Indigenous communities and contribute to building a new economy in Canada.
Let’s Talk Science, a leading charitable organization, is committed to preparing youth for evolving career and citizenship demands in our rapidly changing world. Through programming for youth and educators, the organization aims to enhance youth interest and engagement in STEM, positively impacting every child in Canada from early years through secondary school. By joining forces with Mitacs, Let’s Talk Science can further its mission by extending its programs to Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario.
The partners have secured up to $60,000 for the Indigenous Youth Outreach program.
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John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs
“We are incredibly excited to join forces with Let’s Talk Science in revitalizing the Indigenous Youth Mentorship program. This strategic partnership perfectly aligns with Mitacs’s core objective of nurturing the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers, while leveraging the incredible talent within Canada. By offering Indigenous youth in Northern Ontario opportunities for mentorship and immersive scientific experiences, our aim is to empower them to embrace their potential in STEM fields. Through this collaboration, we are dedicated to creating a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable young individuals, as we cultivate a future marked by innovation and inclusivity.”
Bonnie Schmidt, President, Let’s Talk Science
“We are delighted to partner with Mitacs to reinvigorate and expand the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program, which was necessarily quiet during the pandemic years. This work, led by our sites at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa provide Indigenous high school students with the opportunity to do research projects that are meaningful for them and receive coaching from role models. The project builds youth confidence in STEM and showcases the value of weaving culture, science and Indigenous Ways of Knowing together.”
Connor Kupchak, Indigenous Mentorship Program Manager
“I am extremely grateful that we were welcomed into the Moose Cree community for our Let’s Talk Science Indigenous Mentorship Program. This is a long-standing program with a history of providing mentorship and science outreach to Indigenous youth. It is a privilege to engage with these youth in an environment where they were able to highlight their community knowledge and apply it to their own research ideas. We are grateful for the support of Mitacs for making the expansion of the program a reality and we are excited for the continuation of these partnerships in the future.”
About Mitacs
Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Mitacs assists organizations in reaching their goals, funds cutting-edge innovation, and creates job opportunities for students and postdocs. A not-for-profit organization, Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. Learn more at mitacs.ca.
About Let’s Talk Science
Let’s Talk Science — a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering children and youth of all ages in Canada to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of STEM-based programs to support youth, educators, families and volunteers across Canada. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.
