National STEM Day, November 8th, was established in 2015 by MGA Entertainment to celebrate the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and inspire future generations to explore STEM-related careers. As an Indigenous technology company, Xyntax is passionate about encouraging and supporting Indigenous students in pursuing careers in Technology.
According to the June 2020 online publication of The Future Skills Centre, Incorporating Indigenous Cultures and Realities in STEM:
“Indigenous people make up 4 per cent of adults in Canada, but less than 2 per cent of people working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations are Indigenous.”
There is also a low representation of Indigenous graduates in post-secondary education and even more so in the STEM fields. As stated by Noah Arney & Michelle Pidgeon in the article, Supporting Indigenous STEM Students:
“The gap of post-secondary completion (certificate, diploma, degree, and above) specific to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields is even wider. Indigenous people are half as likely to have STEM-based post-secondary education (4.1% vs. 10%), and for those with STEM Bachelors degree and above, the gap moves to being a fifth as likely (1.1% vs. 5.7%).” (Statistics Canada 2016)
Fortunately we are starting to see more STEM-related programs, scholarships, and mentorships geared to Indigenous students. Some of these include:
First Nations Technology Council An Indigenous-led not-for-profit working to ensure that Indigenous peoples have the tools, education and support to thrive in the digital age.
First Nations University of Canada – Indigenous Knowledge and Science Courses combine “textbook science” with teachings from the Elders, and they also have an outreach partnership with Let’s Talk Science.
The Verna J. Kirness Science and Engineering Education Program One of their programs offers Indigenous high school students opportunities to interact with scientists in their research laboratories.
At Xyntax we strive to do our part in creating pathways and lowering barriers for Indigenous students to pursue careers in Technology while being mindful of cultural teachings and traditions. If you have questions regarding internship or career opportunities in technology, please feel free to reach out to us at info@xyntax.com.
