On this page, we highlight Indigenous stories and voices. At CLS, we aim to be leaders in science; included in this, is helping create pathways for Indigenous positions and recognizing the wonderful diversity of our staff. Sharing these stories can help Indigenous students see themselves in careers they never thought of before. And a good place where this starts, is with summer positions. Hear from some of the students who came to CLS as well as check out links to facilities that provide summer student positions for Indigenous students.
Although 4 percent of adults in Canada are Indigenous, they represent less than 2% of those working in (STEM) fields (Conference Board of Canada). Getting more Indigenous people into STEM jobs is a big part of the reconciliation journey. Changing the way we teach science and math to include more about Indigenous cultures and experiences can help more Indigenous students do well in these fields. Feature some inspiring Indigenous role models in STEM within your classroom! There are a few featured in this resources as well as some helpful links to more websites and videos featuring Indigenous STEM professionals.
Operator
(Former Indigenous Physics Summer Student)
Department: Machine: Accelerator Operations
(formerly Science)
Interview Descriptors: Indigenous Representation, STEM, MentorSTEP, role models, physics, science
Resources: CLS News Story & PDF
Mechanical CAD Technician
Department: Machine
Interview Descriptors: Changed careers, blueprints, Métis, stress, balance, career tips, computers, computer-aided design
Resources: CLS News Story & PDF
Former Education Specialist Indigenous Relations
(now Director of a university Indigenous student centre)
Department: Science
Interview Descriptors: Traditional Language, Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Youth, bridge the gap, Ways of Knowing
Resources: Facebook Introduction
Former Education Assistant (Summer Student with MentorSTEP)
(now a science catalyst teacher on reserve)
Department: Science
Interview Descriptors: Ways of Knowing, Traditional Knowledge, science, role models, mentors, educational resources, diversity
Resources: Career Interview & Worksheet
Department: Science
Interview Descriptors: Gay, pride, diversity, Métis, teacher, education, science, inclusion, safety
Resources: Career Interview & Worksheet, CLS News Story & PDF
Former Education Coordinator Indigenous Programs
(now delivering Indigenous Science programs for reserve schools)
Department: Science
Interview Descriptors: First Nation, Métis, diversity, community, wîcêhtowin, science, Traditional Knowledge
Resources: CLS News Story & PDF
These are links to various STEM-related facilities that provide summer student positions specifically for Indigenous Students. Keep an eye on these sites for job postings but typically between November to February, these postings go up. This is by no means a complete list! If you have links you would like to share, please reach out to us.
Career Pages at local Universities, Colleges
Canadian Light Source: https://www.lightsource.ca/about/careers.php
First Nations University: https://www.fnuniv.ca/careers/
Gov’t of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/student-work-placements-stem-business.html
Additional Gov’t of Canada Science Positions for Students: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97806.html
MentorSTEP (University of Saskatchewan): https://vpresearch.usask.ca/students/undergraduate/mentorstep/mentorstep.php
Parks Canada: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/agence-agency/emplois-jobs/etudiants-students
SNOLAB - Underground science facility in neutrino and dark matter physics: https://www.snolab.ca/employment/student-opportunities/
TRIUMF - Particle accelerator: https://www.triumf.ca/undergraduate-student-program