Ref. #2-3530
IQALUIT, NUNAVUT (August 9, 2011) – Fifty First Nation and Inuit youth from across Canada will gather in Iqaluit this week to take part in the 2011 National Aboriginal Science and Technology Camp, where they will learn about science, traditional knowledge, cultural awareness and more.
“This camp is a unique opportunity to bring Aboriginal students together to learn, grow and discover science,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “From designing snow goggles to studying the geology of the north, campers will see and experience science through activities taking place on and around the Northern landscape.”
”The National Aboriginal Science and Technology Camp not only gives Aboriginal youth a hands-on learning opportunity, but also an experience that we hope will inspire them to consider science and technology as an education or career choice,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Member of Parliament for Nunavut.
Campers come from all provinces and territories, and 10 of this year's camp participants are Nunavut youth from all three regions of the territory (Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtani). The theme for this year's camp is Qaujisarvingat, which means “to compile and research old science and new science techniques.” Camp activities will blend elements of western science with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional Inuit knowledge) and will be taught by the Actua summer science camp program and technical experts from federal, territorial and municipal governments.
The camp is funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada through its First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES), which helps youth gain work experience, get career information, develop skills and ultimately find employment. First Air, Nunavut Arctic College and the City of Iqaluit are key partners in the delivery of the 2011 camp. This is the eighth edition of the National Science Camp.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michelle Yao
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
(819) 953-1160
Media Relations
Nunavut Regional Office
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
(867) 975-4725
