Let’s Talk Science Fosters Inclusivity with the development of Indigenous Outreach Training

May 31, 2019

(London, ON) On Friday, over 80 Let’s Talk Science Outreach coordinators from post-secondary institutes across Canada participated in a newly developed Indigenous training program. Local MPP for London West, Peggy Sattler and Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grant Review Team volunteer, Chris Harding were on hand to participate in this new interactive training funded through a $75,000 OTF seed grant and created collaboratively by Let’s Talk Science staff, and in partnership with Indigenous and expert advisors.

“I commend Let’s Talk Science and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their leadership in launching this important new program,” said MPP Sattler. “The incorporation of Indigenous histories and ways of knowing into training for staff and volunteers is an essential step toward truth and reconciliation. It will help ensure that STEM learning experiences are as meaningful and transformative for Indigenous youth as they are for non-Indigenous.”

Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, this program will provide staff and volunteers with a new level of knowledge and understanding of Indigenous histories, worldviews and perspectives. The training program consists of six training videos with perspectives from diverse and esteemed individuals; a training manual and a group facilitated discussions.

“It was important to us to involve authentic and diverse Indigenous voices throughout the process,” said, President and Founder, Bonnie Schmidt, Let’s Talk Science. “This training will enable staff and volunteers to adjust activities to be respectful of Indigenous ways of knowing and styles of learning.”

Building inclusive and engaged communities together, this initiative is helping diverse groups work together to improve community life.

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ABOUT LET’S TALK SCIENCE

Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators and volunteers across Canada. Let’s Talk Science’s national office is located in London, Ontario. For more information about Let's Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca. 

ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $100 million to some 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

Media Contact:

Sarah Hogeveen
Communications Officer
Let’s Talk Science
shogeveen@letstalkscience.ca
1-877-474-4081 ext. 239