Blinding the students with science
News
EDUCATION
Posted By SHARON WEATHERALL
Posted 2 months ago
US native chemical engineer Dr. Nancy Jackson, told Beausoleil First Nation (BFN) students because of her people's strong relationship to the Earth, she wanted to "work in technologies that would not damage the environment".
Jackson, who spoke at a recent science and engineering symposium on Christian Island, is the manager of International Chemical Threat Reduction Department in the Global Security Centre in Sandia National Laboratories which assists the US Department of State and other federal agencies in solving problems related to international chemical security.
A highlight of her career, was when Jackson was presented with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) which is presented for overall leadership and technical achievement. During her acceptance speech she warned young Native Americans to protect their lands from exploitation for energy resources.
She wants this passion for protecting the Earth passed on to future generation and says "it is important that Indians take the lead".
About 30 elementary, secondary and adult education students attended the informative June 1st symposium which featured and number of influential speakers sharing their interests and success in both fields. The event was organized by BFN Educational Director Peggy McGregor.
"The purpose of the event was to give the students career ideas and incentives and spin some interest in science and engineering due to the lack of native people in those trades. It may help them consider entering those fields," said McGregor.
"Architect Chris Perry from Sudbury Ontario told the student's architecture study does not focus only on math and science, but they look for well rounded individuals with a creative edge. It's all about being holistic so new ideas can be incorporated into an organization. He says it's all bout thinking outside the box' and that volunteer experience and personal interests really matter and what previous subjects you have taken before."
Chief Ogimaa Shining Turtle' talked about the engineering of traditional native tools such as wooden paddles, snow shoes, etc. that were engineered many years ago and still be used today. A member of the Sturgeon Clan, Ojibway Nation -Chief of Whitefish River, Shining Turtle has 14 years experience in civil engineering experience in design, construction and project management. Having attended engineering degree studies through Seneca College, Lakehead University, California State University, University of Florida and the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology, the chief's motto and message to the students was "never say you can't do something -always say I can do it'".
Speaker Cody Kupferschmidt, a third year environmental engineering student at the University of Guelph grew up in Muskoka developing a strong respect and appreciation for the environment at a young age.
His past jobs include teaching swimming lessons and life guarding, as well as more career-related employment with both an environmental consulting company and a university professor. Kupferschmidt found speaking at Christian Island "a great experience" for both himself and the children.
Self-employed biologist Judith Jones from Sheguiandah, Ontario, left home at 15 and went back to university when she was 19, working her way through four years of undergrad in botany with various job including assistant to a geology professor. She went on to achieve a master's degree.
Civil engineer Kelvin Jamieson is the president of his own company working in James Bay Ontario. He obtained his Professional Engineer License in 1989 and has worked for Federal Government and private companies over the past 25 years with his primary work for the First Nations of Ontario.
McGregor is organizing a future health care symposium on Christian Island to expose students to potential careers as physician, dentists and other profession health professions in this wide field. She hopes to host one in law enforcement, justice, policing and guarding this fall.
"I hope to open their eyes to different opportunities away from the community. The symposiums introduce more ideas for students -many tend to choose careers in the community as opposed to a broader base," said McGregor.
