Three students from Brooks Secondary School spent a week at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg last month as recipients of scholarships through the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program.
Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation students Ryan Pielle, in grade 12, and Drew Charlie and Brianna Baron, both in grade 10, travelled with Gerry Brach, head teacher at Ahms Tah Ow School, to participate in the program which aims to increase the number of indigenous students graduating from science and engineering programs in Canada.
Ryan was partnered with a student from New Brunswick and studied ticks in the department of entomology laboratory. Although Ryan was initially less than enthusiastic about studying ticks, he reported having a great experience. He learned that the biggest myth about ticks is that every tick can transmit Lyme disease, whereas in fact only two out of the 40 species found in Canada carry the disease.
Drew and Brianna were partnered with two students from Manitoba. They spent the week with four professors in the department of kinesiology learning about the Canadian physical activity guidelines and different ways to meet the requirements. The students also attended a diabetes intervention program meeting that looked at why aboriginal people are more likely to get diabetes now than 50 years ago.
The Brooks students and their 31 fellow participants in the Kirkness program were honoured at a traditional feast. The Deputy Premier of Manitoba Eric Robinson, Elder Garry Robson and university President David Barnard addressed the students and congratulated them on completing the program. On behalf of all of the students, Ryan presented Barnard with a cedar canoe bailer crafted by Heiltsuk First Nation artist Ivan Rosypskye. The bailer contained a weaving by Ryan’s mother, Rose Adams, and carved cedar roses. The bailer was donated by Brach, who is also a board member of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation.
The Kirkness foundation was formed in 2009 and this year it provided 33 scholarships to allow students to spend one week in the university program. Readers can check online for more information about the foundation.
