Inspiring Indigenous Girls to Pursue Science and Technology

Alumna Emily Whetung ’03 (Champlain College) co-chairs a four-day workshop to empower young women to be the future of science and technology

May 11, 2023

Trent University alumna Emily Whetung ’03 (Champlain College) co-chaired a recent groundbreaking workshop that aimed to inspire and empower Indigenous girls in high school to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).   

Whetung, already known for her leadership in Indigenous matters as chief emeritus of Curve Lake First Nation and a lawyer specializing in Indigenous/Aboriginal law, leant her support to the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) International Mentoring Workshop, titled Gikendaaso Oshki Kwewag - The Young Women Carry Knowledge. The workshop brought together accomplished female mentors from Canada and around the world, combining Indigenous and western ways of knowing to provide the participants with a transformative and hands-on learning experience.   

Hosted in Canada for the first time, the four-day workshop offered a range of activities and sessions that provided a comprehensive view of STEM fields, including on-the-land learning sessions, lab work, and visits to science facilities. Through these activities, the participants were able to explore and experience various aspects of science and technology and understand the potential they each hold. The workshop also included talks by accomplished female scientists and engineers, who shared their experiences and insights to motivate students to pursue careers in STEM.  

"This is a powerful opportunity to create lasting connections between Indigenous girls and successful female STEM professionals from across the world,” said Whetung, an honorary champion of the Campaign for Momentous Change. “These connections can inspire, motivate and provide an important sense of belonging that can be a real game-changer in these young women's lives."  

The workshop represented a collaborative effort between the NEA and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to offer Indigenous girls from the opportunity to explore what a future in STEM could hold.  

Through sustained partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations, Trent is actively working towards eliminating the systemic barriers that have historically excluded Indigenous peoples from participating in STEM fields. The University recognizes the vital role that Indigenous knowledge and perspectives play in advancing scientific research and is committed to promoting cross-cultural learning and collaboration in STEM education.  

Learn more about supporting Indigenous Resurgence at Trent University, which is a renowned leader in Indigenous education.