Taking science up north
Kahnawiiostha Whyte-Turner. Courtesy Megan Kanerahtenha:wi Whyte
The next generation of Indigenous scientists headed to Nunavik this week, for the 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair.
Five students from Kahnawake Education Center (KEC) schools flew out to the communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuarapik for the fair, after winning the science fairs at each of their schools.
From Kateri School, grade five student Willow Jackson presented her project on how the body reacts to music, and grade six student Iakothwatsiriio Stacey shared her work about wild blueberries.
From Karonhianónhnha Tsi Ionterihwaienstáhkhwa, grade six student Kahnawiiostha Whyte-Turner shared her research into the water of the St. Lawrence River and looked at ways to examine its cleanliness.
From Kahnawake Survival School, grade eight student Kaylani Delormier presented on terracotta clay pot heaters, and grade 10 student Kanien’kwentha McComber shared a project about bioluminescence.
Whyte-Turner’s mother, Megan Kanerahtenha:wi Whyte, travelled to the event in person, and said she was struck by a phrase repeated at the opening ceremonies of the fair: “Indigenous knowledges are science.”
“I think it’s amazing that there are so many young people supported by their communities to explore what makes them curious,” Whyte said. “There are so many projects that explore Indigenous knowledge, and I feel so much gratitude that there are opportunities for our Indigenous youth to really celebrate and validate who they are.”
The winners of the science fair were announced Thursday evening, after The Eastern Door’s publishing deadline. Check back next week for results and more coverage of the local students’ trip to Nunavik!
