Waawaaskonwe Niigan “There is a Light – Ahead”

 

Algoma University’s Anishinaabe Initiatives team hosts an annual youth centered Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (ISTEAM) Land Camp each fall. It was important to ground this work and begin in a good way with a name that described the intention and core values of the program. Through consultation with Elder Peter Beaucage of Nipissing First Nation the Land Camp was given a name:

“This came to me early this morning and it just kept coming in my dream over and over again. There’s a Light – ahead. The program you described Indigenous youth will be learning Traditional life with western teachings. The light ahead describes the way of the lighting of the 8th fire. Then there will emerge one mighty nation that will embrace a way of life so the world will see human kind live in peace.”

-Peter Beaucage

Rooted in Anishinaabe knowledge systems and land-based learning, the program is designed to strengthen Indigenous youth engagement with STEAM pathways while reinforcing leadership skills, cultural identity, and community responsibility. Participants will engage in hands-on biology, environmental science, technology, art and land based activities, including ecological observation, species identification, land stewardship practices, and applied scientific inquiry grounded in Indigenous worldviews. Leadership development will be intentionally woven throughout the program, emphasizing teamwork, decision-making, communication, and responsibility to community and land.

Waawaaskonwe Niigan programming is intentionally designed to function as a bridge between high school engagement and post-secondary and career pathways, particularly for Indigenous youth who have historically faced systemic barriers within STEAM and higher education. Rather than offering one-time exposure, the program provides layered, high-impact opportunities that build confidence, relationships, and clear next steps in a culturally safe environment, that is land based and community-connected. High school youth are engaged through hands-on, experiential learning that mirrors post-secondary expectations while remaining culturally grounded and accessible. These experiences move beyond passive learning, allowing youth to see themselves as capable contributors within STEAM environments.

A defining feature of the program is the integration of Indigenous post-secondary students as mentors and facilitators. Executive members of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA) work directly with high school participants, sharing lived experiences and real pathways into university life.

Youth engage with Elders, knowledge holders, and Indigenous instructors who affirm identity, language, and community belonging while modelling diverse career and educational pathways. Youth have the opportunity to engage directly with university faculty, Indigenous instructors, and student leaders in non-intimidating settings, experience post-secondary-level STEAM learning through land-based delivery, build early relationships with Algoma University that extend beyond recruitment and into mentorship.

Youth are encouraged to return as participants, advance into leadership or ambassador roles, and remain connected through mentorship networks and future programming. This progression creates continuity from high school into post-secondary education and, ultimately, career pathways in STEAM, environmental fields, and community leadership.

This opportunity is made possible through valuable and meaningful partnerships, specifically Actua. Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. Each year, the Actua network engages over 500,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Please visit www.actua.ca.

Information about Waawaaskonwe Niigan Fall 2026 coming soon!