Tarron Vandall shows off his project at the 2016 Saskatchewan First Nations Science Fair. Photo courtesy Moe Morin.
Friday was a groundbreaking day for Yorkton Tribal Council, as it hosted its first-ever science fair on Keeseekoose First Nation.
The event kicked off in the morning at the Chiefs’ Education Centre with a drum circle and speech from an elder, and 48 students presenting projects to be judged.
In a news release, Keeseekoose Chief Lyndon Musqua said it’s important for communities like his to build up an interest in science and technology.
“It will help position them for the job market of the future,” he said.
“We already have a great demand in our First Nations communities for people in health sciences, and that demand will only increase as our population grows.”
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations agrees, pointing out that its Education and Training Secretariat helps organize 20 science fairs a year at First Nations schools.
“It is vital for our youth to complete their education in the area of science and technologies. Education is the key to building healthier people and communities,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in the news release.
The next one FSIN-organized event is the annual Saskatchewan First Nations Science Fair, which takes place on March 20 and 21 in Saskatoon.