Indigenous Programs

Each year, Western Engineering Outreach partners with local Indigenous communities, Indigenous-led organizations and Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives to collaborate to bring impactful and authentic STEM experiences to Indigenous youth that build skills, confidence and belonging. Our instructors bring STEM to life with hands-on activities delivered virtually, on campus and in community.

In the past year, Western Engineering Outreach has partnered to deliver educator professional learning, in-school workshops, land-based programs, youth leadership development, paid internships, community events and summer camps.

To learn more, or to get involved, please contact us at discover@uwo.ca

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Program Highlight: Six Nations Polytechnic Land Camp

Western Engineering Outreach is proud to be a part of the Six Nations Polytechnic Land Camp year after year. Our instructors visited the camp to lead youth in a day of learning about sustainable agriculture. Youth investigated water quality by collecting and testing water samples from the nearby Grand River. By analyzing river water’s temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids, they explored the question “is the water safe for a pallid sturgeon fish?”

Land Camp participants also planted a perennial bee garden to help Chiefswood Park increase their bee population - a goal the Park had previously identified. Youth worked together to plant perennial pollinators that we all look forward to seeing for years to come.

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Program Highlight: Indigenous Leaders in Training

Beginning in 2024, Western Engineering Outreach has welcomed twenty Indigenous high school students for a two-day event at the Wampum Learning Lodge. Students spend the two-day field trip touring engineering facilities, doing hands-on STEM activities, and hearing from Indigenous community members and leaders. After the two-day event, students have an opportunity to interview for paid placement opportunities. These ‘next step’ placements offer meaningful learning experiences for the students. Often, the placements provide introductions to specific fields of science or engineering, foster mentorship and networking connections, and build confidence doing age-appropriate tasks as part of a team.

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