About 45 students from First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada visited the University of Manitoba to learn and experience science in an up close and personal way.

Activities included a visit to the Whiteshell to view petroforms, and a trip to Peguis First Nation to learn about traditional medicine. They also spent time at the Faculty of Medicine and St. Boniface Hospital Research to experience what the more non-traditional medical sciences and research involve.

Students visited the Faculty of Engineering touring the antenna, structures and hydrology lab facilities, as well as engaging in conversation with engineering researchers. Students dabbled in robotics, computer programming and building construction.

The National Summer Science Camp is funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada through its First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES), which helps youth gain work experience, get career information, develop skills and ultimately find employment. The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre coordinated this year’s camp in Winnipeg.