On November 8th, 2023, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre was presented with the inaugural National Indigenous STEM Award for excellence in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in First Nations schools by award sponsor Let’s Talk Science.
The award was presented at the First Nations Education Administrators Association (FNEAA) conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg. Let’s Talk Science president and founder, Bonnie Schmidt, appeared virtually during the award ceremony, saying, “We are pleased to sponsor this year’s award to the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, recognizing their excellence in Indigenous STEM and supporting First Nations schools through their programs, services and science fairs.”
The National Indigenous STEM Award was handed to the Resource Centre’s executive director, Charles Cochrane, by the provincial Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Nello Altomare, who stated, “I was honoured to join Tammy Webster, Director of Equity with Let’s Talk Science, to present the National Indigenous STEM Award to the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre at the FNEAA conference this year. This award recognizes the organization’s excellence in advancing Indigenous STEM initiatives in First Nations schools throughout the Province.”
The Minister has also acknowledged the importance of the Resources Centre’s work in bringing STEM education to First Nations schools.
“Ensuring First Nations schools have access to STEM education is so important. STEM education provides students with knowledge in core subjects of sciences and math, as well as important skills that will serve them well in any career path. As the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, it is my goal to ensure every student in Manitoba has the resources they need to succeed. I am grateful to organizations like Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre for the excellent work they are doing, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership to expand opportunities for First Nations students across Manitoba,” Minister Altomare says.
