Ahead of National Indigenous History Month, Queen’s University is hosting 33 First Nations students from northern and Indigenous communities across Ontario and Quebec for Good Roots, a week-long STEM and mentorship program designed to help Indigenous youth envision pathways into science, engineering, health care, and technology.

The grade 7 and 8 students are visiting the campus from Wunnumin Lake and Webequie First Nation in Northern Ontario, as well as Chisasibi in Northern Quebec. Earlier in the month, students from Six Nations, Lac Seul, and Bkejwanong also attended Good Roots.

Now in its second year, Good Roots introduces Indigenous students to hands-on learning in engineering, health sciences, environmental science, and other STEM-related fields while helping participants build relationships with mentors, university students, and one another. This year, the program welcomes three separate cohorts to campus during the weeks of May 4-8, May 11-15, and May 25-29.

The program is part of Queen’s broader First Nations STEM Futures Academy, a multi-year initiative that supports students who live on-reserve throughout high school with mentorship, academic preparation, and pathways into engineering and STEM studies.

Photo/Interview Opportunity – Health Sciences & Athletic Therapy Workshop

As part of the week’s programming, students will participate in a hands-on workshop with Queen’s Athletic Therapy staff and students. Participants will learn taping techniques, create splints, and work through prescribed exercise activities.

What: Indigenous youth participate in Athletic Therapy STEM workshop 
When: Tuesday, May 26, 9-11am. 
Where: Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC)

Available for Interviews:

• Melanie Howard, Director, Indigenous Futures in Engineering
• Kayla Ford, Program Lead, First Nations STEM Futures Academy
• Emma Triskle, Concurrent Education Biology/Chemistry student

Media are asked to RSVP in advance.

Media Contact: 
Julie Brown 
Manager, Media Relations 
Queen’s University