First Nations Family STEM Program

Combining Tradition and Technology to Empower Youth

Program provides opportunities for students in Indigenous communities, blending traditional wisdom with modern knowledge to ensure promising future.

Combining Tradition and Technology to Empower Youth

The First Nations Family STEM Program is a pioneering, innovative project that brings together traditional first-nations values and the world of science, technology, engineering and math. Funded by donations from organizations such as Cowessess First Nation, K+S Potash Canada, Saskatchewan Science Centre, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Enbridge, Yara Belle Plaine, and even generous individuals such as David and Sarah Rosen, this program is committed to making quality education accessible and available to first-nations youth.

Celebrating First Peoples’ Culture

Held at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, this exciting program provides students from Cowessess and Piapot First Nations with the opportunity to learn computer programming and robotics, while never having to sacrifice their own culture and traditions. In fact, the program encourages the students to use their unique perspective and Cree language in their projects. Students are also teaching non-indigenous instructors Cree language, imparting a valuable sense of pride and empowerment in the process. Student parents, guardians and elders are supporting students by attending and actively participating in each class thus empowering “vertical lineage education system“.

(Learn more about importance of vertical lineage education in healing intergenerational trauma caused by residential school system from Cadmus Delorme at The Walrus Talks Event)

Eye on the Future

“We are so honoured to work with the Nanan Academy, Cowessess Urban office, Cowessess Community and the Saskatchewan Science Centre to provide an exciting learning opportunity for Cowessess students and their caregivers.  The students (and caregivers) are very motivated to learn robotics, coding and to explore the Science Centre.  It is through meaningful and engaging opportunities and partnerships such as this one that we empower our young people and their families to learn and grow together.”

Sandy Pinay-Schindler, B.Ed., M.Ed.
Director of Education

This is Just the Beginning

“We have been delighted with the enthusiasm of the students who have taken part in the program so far. This is just the beginning, and we are confident that many of these students will help and inspire generations of Indigenous students reach their fullest potential in education and life.”

Cadmus Delorme
Founder and CEO, OneHoop

Program Partners