First Nations Excellence in the Sciences

The master of ceremonies, Michael Hutchinson, said the fair “celebrates science and is a step toward goal setting and choosing careers.” Guest speaker Wab Kinew, the current leader of the NDP, expanded by recommending that students think “high school plus,” meaning to add on either trade or university after high school.

Hutchinson discussed how First Nations have always excelled in sciences and finding truths, such as the in-depth knowledge required to make a birchbark canoe. Kinew shared an Anishinaabe Creation Story he heard about fire expanding into everything that will be and then collapsing—an ancient story from long before the science of the black hole today. Kinew stressed that First Nations students have a major role to play in the scientific world.

One student scientist said they value the fair as participation goes on your school record and you learn new things. Every student getting a bronze, silver, or gold medal is an added benefit.

Some of the strongest projects at the fair focused on First Nations perspectives, and they were experimental versus informational, following the scientific method.

Many projects demonstrated the fair’s theme of “TwoEyed Seeing,” which refers to the differences and similarities between Indigenous and Western science with the understanding that both are whole knowledge systems.

THE THREE SISTERS

Sarabelle Garson’s project demonstrated all the components of a strong entry, winning a gold medal and progressing on to the Canada-Wide Science Fair that was held in Edmonton in May. A Grade 9 student attending  Fisher  River High School, Sarabelle’s project called “The Three Sisters” explores three plants (beans, squash, and corn) that First Nations have traditionally grown together to increase yield and sustainability.

Sarabelle said, “This traditional agricultural practice would be beneficial today because the Three Sisters method does not require the use of fertilizers. Agricultural runoff forms algae, which has adverse effects on Lake Winnipeg, the commercial fishing industry, and First Nations who have been fishing as part of a traditional way of life” (Youth Science Canada). Sarabelle grew the three plants using both a hydroponic (water) method and regular soil, comparing those grown together and in isolation. Sarabelle said she will continue to grow the plants and that growing your own is cheaper than buying from a store. She said a challenge in participating included explaining the project to judges, but this wasn’t apparent when hearing her discuss her stellar experiment.

DAKOTA CONSTELLATIONS

Kailey Flurry and Sawyer Thunderbird-Sky’s project explored Dakota Constellations and how the constellations change in each season. In Grade 8 at Sioux Valley High School, these two young scientists

shared a winter constellation story. A Chief who had lost his hand offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man who could get the Chief’s hand back for him.

EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN FIRST NATIONS

Hallie Grieves and Katrina Bradburn, both in Grade 11 in Oxford House, shared their project on the effects of substance abuse in First Nations. They chose this topic for personal reasons. Katrina said she has “seen the effects a lot” and Hallie said that “sometimes [you] don’t go a week without an overdose or problem with too much drugs.” Katrina explained that the problems are worse since the pandemic and fentanyl.

To address the problems, they suggest that a culturally appropriate organization from outside of Oxford House be set up to assist. They explained there is a shame involved in substance abuse, and it is hard for members of the small community of Oxford House to talk to those they know. Hallie and Katrina’s awareness and scientific research into the problems facing their First Nation offers hope—such people will be the ones who stop the cycle of intergenerational trauma. On a side note, these two inquisitive scientists were walking around at the end of the day looking and learning at from the other projects.

EXTRACTING OIL FROM CEDAR AND JUNIPER

Fred Mckay Jr., a Grade 7 student in Crane River, won a gold medal at the science fair and attended the Canada-Wide Science Fair, where he won the First Nations University of Canada Recognition Award! His project looked at extracting essential oils from juniper and cedar for their health benefits.

Before picking the plants for his experiment, Fred spoke with a Knowledge Keeper (Garry Bruyere from Sagkeeng who now lives in Crane River) about picking some plants only in the correct season. In his experiment, Fred boils the juniper and cedar and extracts the oils from the top, a similar process of extraction that Indigenous people have traditionally used.

Fred explained that such natural oils are medicines that do not cause complications like the chemicals in antibiotics and Tylenol can. Fred said juniper is good for diabetes and urine and bladder concerns, while cedar helps with joint issues and arthritis. Fred’s grandmother was a medicine woman, so he comes by his interest in healing honestly.