Since 2023, the University of Waterloo’s Travelling STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program has engaged Indigenous youth by holding free STEM workshops, including within their communities.
However, running this initiative comes at a significant cost—from staff salaries and overnight travel to materials for hands-on activities and more. To sustain this educational program, the University must depend on funding from sponsors and charitable donations.
Enabling local access to STEM learning
In 2024, Calian was proud to support the program with a significant financial contribution. This sponsorship helped cover the University’s expenses to train about 50 Indigenous youth from Dokis, Curve Lake and White Fish River First Nations—using both in-person and remote formats.
Some engineers from our Advanced Technologies team also attended the camps to offer informal mentorship and engage participants with STEM activities that deliberately tied into local Indigenous practices.
Inspiring tomorrow’s Indigenous STEM leaders
Calian was thrilled to fund three camps across multiple locations, allowing the university to expand its outreach to Indigenous communities in 2024. This also made it easier for interested communities to join the program without worrying about financial barriers.
However, the biggest benefit lies with the youth themselves. Through engaging science, technology, engineering and math activities, they explored opportunities and learned about pathways to post-secondary education.
Participating in familiar environments within their own communities also helped boost these young people’s confidence, paving the way for future success in STEM fields.
Bridging the Indigenous STEM employment gap
According to the Conference Board of Canada, Indigenous adults represent about four per cent of Canada’s population, but they hold less than two per cent of STEM jobs.
One key reason for this under-representation in STEM is the lack of engineer and scientist role models in Indigenous communities. That’s why supporting programs—especially those involving face-to-face mentorship—is crucial. They give young people a real look at what STEM professionals do, aiming to inspire the next generation to explore these types of careers.
Meanwhile, increasing diversity in STEM brings in fresh perspectives that lead to
innovation, long-term economic growth and global competitiveness. By including a wider range of voices, entire nations like Canada can unlock new ideas and strategies to more effectively confront the challenges we face today—benefiting society as a whole.
Advancing reconciliation efforts through Indigenous engagement
Calian’s support for this program is just one way we are honouring our commitment to Indigenous communities—reflecting Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action 92 through respectful engagement.
By helping to empower Indigenous youth to explore new opportunities right within their own communities, we are proud to play our part in reconciliation.
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In Indigenous culture, there's a focus on serving the community. These camps teach young Indigenous people at a crucial age that STEM careers provide significant ways to contribute to society—even if those ways aren't so obvious at first glance.
—Darrell Wellington, VP and General Manager, Calian GNSS
About Calian CARES
STEM professions have the power to shape entire societies. When making decisions that impact the future, it's essential all voices are represented. By inspiring Indigenous youth, we can foster a generation of Indigenous engineers, helping to bring diverse perspectives to the table and create a more inclusive future.
