*ISAP STEM+ student design challenge
In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, IMII is proud to share information about our Workforce Development Program aimed at increasing Indigenous involvement in STEM careers in the minerals industry. While the industry is increasingly efficient, sustainable, and safe, we also believe workforce development and diversity are critical.
Reconciliation efforts are ongoing, and the devastating effects of residential schools still echo through Indigenous generations in Canada. This is brought to life in many ways, including a lack of access to educational opportunities that can lead to meaningful, lasting careers.
We see this especially in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While efforts to include cultural relevance to curricula are ongoing, we saw an opportunity to create a specific learning environment that boosts Indigenous individuals’ access to STEM fields.
The mining sector is one of the largest sectors employing Indigenous people in Saskatchewan. To continue this momentum and provide new opportunities for individuals and the industry alike, IMII funded the Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) STEM+ pilot project in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan.
The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Arts and Sciences first adopted the ISAP concept in 2012 with the help of the Office of the Associate Dean of Indigenous Studies, led by Dr. Kristina Bidwell.
ISAP was designed to build a community for Indigenous students and address common academic barriers. This optional program provides a post-secondary learning experience that is intentionally designed to create a successful academic community away from home.
The goal of ISAP STEM+ was to boost career preparedness in Indigenous undergraduate students, improving their ability to enjoy successful careers in STEM. To reach this goal, the program provided the following for students:
The STEM+ add-on to the ISAP program was developed to break down the barriers faced by Indigenous women and mature Indigenous students. Through ISAP STEM+, the students have the opportunity to pursue STEM degree programs and STEM-informed career pathways in the vital Natural Resources and Mining industries.
ISAP STEM+ was designed with careful thought and feedback. We recognized the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of students, which helped us create a welcoming environment where they could feel empowered and supported. By addressing common challenges and identifying preparatory barriers, we shaped the curriculum to help students pursue their career goals. Small class sizes further strengthened this sense of community, making the learning experience more personal and engaging
A STEM+ coach expanded the students’ digital literacy, contributed to ‘soft skills,’ provided writing labs, and facilitated learning community gatherings. Guest speakers and storytelling were also prioritized to give students strong Indigenous role models and a culturally relevant experience.
Lastly, peer-to-peer relationships and connections were put at the forefront.
Through surveys, conversations, and research, the ISAP STEM+ program learned that:
“One activity kind of gave me… a ‘breakthrough’. I was able to connect with my field in a personal way, something that I hadn’t necessarily really done before. It’s motivated me to stay in STEM and made me feel like it’s the right thing to do to persist even when sometimes the material is hard or foreign-feeling.” — ISAP STEM+ student participant
It’s gratifying to see the impacts of the ISAP STEM+ program. The University of Saskatchewan team tackled this project with enthusiasm and deliberation, providing an excellent experience for the students.
Here were some of the program highlights:
IMII is incredibly proud to be part of this impactful project. Thank you to our partners at the University of Saskatchewan for providing this successful opportunity for Indigenous students to excel in STEM careers. We look forward to a bright future for the ISAP program.
You can learn more about the results of the ISAP STEM+ project here.
For information about past and present Workforce Development programs and opportunities, visit our website.
IMII’s office is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Treaty 6 encompasses the lands of the Cree, Dakota, Nakota, Saulteaux (SO-TOE) and the Homeland of the Métis Nation. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our enduring relationship with one another and recognize the importance of reconciliation in building a shared future.
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