Centre weaves instruction with Indigenous knowledge

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This article was published 01/03/2022 (1368 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre has secured new federal funding that will allow its free camp for Indigenous students — which aims to expose inner-city elementary schoolers to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — to triple in size this summer.

The centre, which operates out of the University of Winnipeg, typically runs an annual two- to three-week day camp for a total of 50 students.

This year, Wii Chiiwaakanak will provide STEAM programming to 150 students on and off the downtown campus over four weeks, said Angeline Nelson, director of community learning and engagement.

“As a visibly First Nation student, it’s very clear to see that you’re underrepresented in many different areas… The importance of these types of programs is to help address some of those gaps from underrepresented communities,” said Nelson, who is Ojibwa and Cree from Roseau River First Nation.

Nelson graduated from the University of Manitoba with a bachelor of science degree in 2009.

The director said her goal is to use a grant from CanCode, an initiative out of Ottawa that supports projects that equip youth — with a focus on underrepresented groups — with scientific and digital skills they need to prepare for future studies, to get more young Indigenous students interested in science-related disciplines.

Wii Chiiwaakanak has secured a total of $367,000 between Jan. 25, 2022, and March 31, 2024.

“It’s been a long time coming that we’ve been building on all of our STEAM outreach programs,” Nelson said, adding she and her colleagues have tailored offerings to younger students because there is a dearth of engaging programs for elementary schoolers that weave Indigenous knowledge into science-related instruction.

The annual summer camp for incoming grades 1-6 students educates them on everything from chemistry to computer science, involves activities ranging from dissections to field trips, and introduces participants to Indigenous role models in the STEAM fields.

Approximately two years ago, centre staff surveyed around 85 local families who had engaged in their various programs to find out about student experiences with the content.

Nelson said less than 30 per cent of children had participated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs before.

“That really spoke to us,” she said. “It really spoke to the significance of our programming and ensuring that kids have an opportunity to learn about STEAM, to be on campus from a young age, to develop that sense of belonging and also, to engage in programs where they are represented.”

The Anishinaabemowin name of the centre translates to “partners” or “walking together” in English, Nelson added.

“Our government is proud to invest in Wii Chiiwaakanak and be a partner in delivering educational and cultural programming rooted in Indigenous knowledge,” said Liberal MP Dan Vandal, federal minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, in a prepared release about the announcement.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie