EYAGOWIHWAYEDI'SE:K (THEY WILL BE KNOWING THE MATTERS): Indigenous Youth Explore Science Through Traditional Ecological Knowledge

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-August 19,2025

A visionary and empowering summer camp that brought together indigenous knowledge systems and modern science has successful wrapped up, leaving high school students with new insights, skills and a renewed sense of connection of both culture and STEM fields. The TEK/STEM Summer Camp: Creating Pathways for Youth-Traditional Ecological knowledge and STEM (July 21-July25,2025), offered an immersive experience for incoming Grade 11 and 12 students of indigenous ancestry attending Six Nations Polytechnic STEAM Academy. The camp was held as part of a collaborative effort between Ohneganos, Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill of McMaster University and the CLARS project, Indigenous Education Council’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge Committee and Six Nations Polytechnic.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is rooted in generations of environmental stewardship and during camp students explored how TEK can enhance and complement Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) practices. Camp participants engaged in hands on learning, land based activities, scientific experiments and culturally grounded workshops, all while earning academic credits and a stipend for their participation.

 “This camp is more than just an educational program; it’s a transformative experience that allows students to see themselves as future scientists, engineers and knowledge keepers”, said CLARS postdoctoral researcher and one of the camp’s organizer, Dr. Colin Gibson. “By bridging TEK and STEM, we’re opening doors for indigenous youth to see the relevance of their heritage in today’s scientific world”,

Students were selected through an application process open to indigenous youth entering Grades 11 and 12 in the fall. The camp provided transportation, meals and comprehensive safety planning, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants. Upon arrival, students were greeted by camp personnel who outlined daily schedules, expectations and learning goals.

Beyond academics, the camp fostered leadership, creativity and cultural pride, aligning with the CLARS project’s goal of indigenous education advancement. For many students, the camp also served as a stepping stone toward future post-secondary studies and careers in STEM fields, while also deepening their understanding of their identify and traditional knowledge systems.

Photo Credit: Indigenous Studies at McMaster Facebook photo of the TEK/STEM camp 2025 (CLARS researcher Dr. Colin Gibson at far left)