First Nation & Inuit Students Honoured for ScienceExcell

[INAC]

Aboriginal Students Honoured for Science Excellence to Attend National Science Camp in Thunder Bay, Ontario

May 29, 2003

Fifty First Nation and Inuit students from across Canada will participate in an exciting educational opportunity in Thunder Bay.

The second annual First Nations and Inuit National Science Camp
will be held from May 31 to June 6, 2003.


The Science Camp, which is being run in partnership with the Seven
Generations Education Institute and the assistance of various sponsors and
agencies, is open to First Nations and Inuit students between the ages of 12 and 16 years.

Students from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec were chosen to attend the
camp based on criteria established by the region or territory.

The Camp represents a unique chance for Aboriginal students from across the country to meet and interact with each other while participating in a variety of dynamic, exciting and educational experiences focusing on science and technology.

This year, the group will travel throughout northwestern Ontario,
learning about Aboriginal healing practices, forestry, aviation, computer and communications technology, water quality and renewable energy. While the Camp will be based at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, participants will also spend time in Atikokan, Fort Frances and the Rainy River First Nation.

The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and a member of the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation in southern Ontario, will meet with the young people taking part in the Science Camp on Monday, June 2, 2003 at Lakehead University.

"By being chosen to represent their region at this Camp, the participants
have demonstrated their willingness to work hard to open up opportunities for their future," said the Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "This is another example of the Government of Canada working in partnership with First Nations to improve their quality of life through investment in education, which is the most enduring contribution Canada can make to First Nation communities."

Director of Post-secondary Education Programs with the Seven Generations Education Institute, Laura Horton, says the aim of the Camp is to have the students learn in settings outside traditional school buildings. "When our kids were educated by the Elders, before schools existed, there was a lot of knowledge and philosophy passed on in ways that don't come across nearly as well in a classroom," Horton says. "For a few days, we give participants a chance to open up their minds, remembering they have a link to much broader knowledge."

The camp is held in a different region each year to enable the host
region to showcase the science-related opportunities available in their
region. Last year's Science Camp was held in Edmonton, Alberta.

-30-

For further information: Tony Prudori, Communications Officer, INAC
Ontario Region, (807) 624-1535. This release is available in electronic format at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca