FNUniv Receives National Recognition for Health & Science Camp
- EFN Staff | January 22, 2014
The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is celebrating some unexpected national recognition for its work in engaging children in learning about health and sciences.
FNUniv received the "Making Friends with Science" award at Actuas national conference last Friday. Actua, a national charitable organisation that is focused on engaging youth who are typically underrepresented and underserved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"I am delighted to congratulate FNUniv Health and Science Camp on winning the 2013 Actua Make Friends with Science Award," said Jennifer Flanagan, Actua Chief Executive Officer. ""Their exceptional photos and media coverage tell the great story of how experiences like these can influence children to make positive choices about their future careers that include STEM."
For the past 16 years, FNUniv has hosted a Health and Science Camp, where nearly 500 children have benefited from a hands-on introduction to the sciences and learning about a variety of career choices in the fields of health and science, post secondary education, and First Nations and Métis culture.
"We developed our programming and outreach in direct response to the under representation of First Nations and Métis people in health and science related fields. We are delighted for the recognition as well as the past two years that Actua has been a partner with our Health and Science Camps," said Dr. Lynn Wells, Vice-President, Academic. "Whether it's our two-week Health and Science Camp or our university programs such as the Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Health and Science, we ensure that an indigenous based perspective on health and science is promoted with the cooperation of Elders who serve the important role of teachers of traditional ways."
FNUniv specializes in Indigenous knowledge, provising post-secondary education for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students within a culturally supportive environment. It has campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, as well as offering community-based and online programs.