Indigenous Futures in Engineering

03/25/2026

We are currently inviting Grade 7/8 educators in First Nations communities to connect their students with a fully funded STEM opportunity at Queen’s University.

Good Roots – Kahtehrí:io – Mno Ojibiikaan is a week-long, on-campus experience designed to introduce students to engineering, robotics, coding, and environmental STEM through hands-on, culturally grounded learning.

This opportunity is intended for students who are:

• Curious about STEM
• Interested in trying something new
• Beginning to explore future pathways

Educators attend alongside their students as chaperones, supporting their experience throughout the week.

Available program weeks:

• May 11–15
• May 25–29

All program costs are fully covered, including:

✔️ Student participation
✔️ Chaperone participation
✔️ Accommodations and meals
✔️ All programming and materials

(Travel is arranged by schools/communities and reimbursed.)

This program serves as an entry point into the First Nations STEM Futures Academy, a multi-year pathway providing mentorship, academic support, and continued STEM engagement throughout high school.

Registration deadline: April 10

If you are an educator working with Grade 7/8 students and are interested in bringing a group, I would welcome the opportunity to connect.

https://ifinengineering.ca/educational-outreach/good-roots.html

01/07/2026

Teachers & Community Leaders!

We want YOUR voice! Complete this short survey to share your experiences and ideas about intermediate academic and STEM learning for First Nations students.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SmithEngineering1/IntermediateAcademicAndSTEMInterestSurvey

Bonus: Everyone who completes the survey will be entered to WIN a FREE STEM workshop for your class or community!

Your feedback helps shape meaningful STEM opportunities for learners and you might just win big!

12/20/2025

Do you know about our dedicated study space for Indigenous engineering students at Queen’s University? It’s more than just a place to hit the books; it’s your go-to spot for solo study, group projects, or a quick break. Stocked with snacks and a steady supply of coffee, this welcoming space offers a supportive environment for your academic journey.

12/09/2025

Attention First Nations Educators!

We’re collecting information to help us design meaningful programs for Grade 8 students, including Good Roots and the First Nations STEM Futures Academy. We’re asking educators to share:

✨ How many Grade 8 students are achieving at an A or A+ level
✨ How many students are showing a strong interest in STEM
✨ What kinds of STEM opportunities are currently available in your school

Your input helps us build programming that supports Indigenous youth, celebrates their strengths, and opens pathways into STEM.

If you are a Grade 8 educator in a First Nations community, please fill out our short survey:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SmithEngineering1/Grade8AcademicAndSTEMInterestSurvey

We kindly ask that you also share this survey with your colleagues and with surrounding First Nations schools who may have Grade 8 students that would benefit from these upcoming opportunities.

Thank you so much for your support and for all that you do for your students!

11/17/2025

We host a monthly dinner series called "InEng Eats Out", in order to network Indigenous students with on-campus senior leadership and influencer. Last month we enjoyed an evening with Dr. Kevin Mumford, who is Smith Engineering's Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Programs. As Dr. Mumford leads the efforts to re-Imagine engineering education, he is keen to hear from a variety of perspectives. This evening provided an opportunity to share what drew these students to study engineering at Queen's, and to hear about Dr. Mumford's journey into teaching engineering.

11/08/2025

We’re honoured to see the work of Indigenous Futures in Engineering recognized and supported by incredible partners like Imperial. Our team is deeply grateful to be featured as part of Imperial’s National STEM Day celebration, highlighting how culturally grounded STEM education is creating pathways for Indigenous youth across the country.

Indigenous youth on fast track to innovation and STEM leadership

10/30/2025

We are working on developing new workshops for schools in First Nations communities that bring science to life through discovery and exploration! With our new microscopes, students will dive into the amazing world of cellular biology.

Take a look…….can you guess what this is under the microscope?

What kinds of workshops would you be excited to have in your classroom?

10/25/2025

On any given evening, Nixon Field hums with the shouts of rugby players practising a lineout or t

10/13/2025

What do you think First Nations students need in high school to be successful?

As we continue to shape pathways that empower Indigenous youth to thrive in STEM, leadership, and beyond, we want to hear from you.

What supports, programs, or opportunities make the biggest difference?

How can schools create environments where First Nations students feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential?

What changes would you like to see in classrooms, communities, or post-secondary transitions?

Your insights help us better understand what success looks like through a First Nations lens, and how we can walk alongside students on their journey.

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments!

10/07/2025

Big News:

The First Nations STEM Futures Academy Has Officially Launched!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the First Nations STEM Futures Academy, a unique program designed to empower First Nations students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and pathways to success in STEM fields.

Alongside this exciting milestone, our updated website is now live! The new site highlights upcoming programming, resources for students and families, and stories of inspiration from our growing community.

Applications are still open! We have a few remaining spots available for students who are eager to join this year’s Academy. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative learning journey that builds leadership, confidence, and opportunity in STEM.

Visit our website today to explore the Academy and apply: https://ifinengineering.ca/educational-outreach/FN-stem-futures-academy.html

Together, we’re creating a future where First Nations students can thrive as innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

08/09/2025

Check out what we’ve been up to!

https://www.queensu.ca/alumni/news/how-a-new-queens-camp-is-engineering-belonging?utm_source=lin-queens&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=campusnews-alumni&utm_content=how-a-new-queens-camp-is-engineering-belonging

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This past summer, a group of Grade 8 students arrived at Queen’s to take part in a one-week camp.They engineered structures to withstand force. They coded and built robots using LEGO. At the university’s clinical simulation lab, they tried their hands at laparoscopic surgeries and intubations. O...