Left to right; Julie Moskalyk, Science Director @ Science North. Dr. Jordi Cisa, Science North Board of Trustees. Ashley Larose, Chief Executive Officer @ Science North. Michael Nitz, District Vice President @ TD Canada Trust.

Thousands of dollars have been invested into Science North from TD Canada Trust.

Coming from the bank’s TD Ready Commitment, $200,000 will help fund Science North’s latest venture called the Indigenous Ways of Knowing project.

This project is to seek to advance truth and reconciliation and to amplify Indigenous perspectives, knowledge & culture in Science North’s programming, ensuring Indigenous visitors and program participants feel represented and connected. This sector-leading initiative will be a critical resource for staff and visitors to engage with Indigenous science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), centred on traditional and contemporary Ways of Knowing.

Funding for the project will allow Science North to continue to provide entertainment and education to the community while the new science centre is being built.

Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North, explained that the funding would serve northwestern Ontario’s community through their outreach programs allowing those who are more remote and have limited access to come to Thunder Bay or the next nearest community.

Since the start of COVID, “TD Bank has invested $2.5M in projects specifically in northern Ontario with a majority of those funds going to programs that engage indigenous communities and peoples toward truth and reconciliation” says Michael Nitz, District Vice President for Northern Ontario at TD Canada Trust.

The Indigenous Ways of Knowing Project will be led by Science North’s Indigenous Initiatives Steering committee. Under the guidance of the organization’s Indigenous Advisory Committees, they will work in collaboration with various teams across Science North to deepen engagement, relationships and partnerships in order to:

• Advance truth and reconciliation and the implementation of the Calls to Action
• Inspire Indigenous peoples of all ages to be engaged with science in the world around them
• Ensure culturally appropriate research, language inclusion and teachings to inform program, exhibit and initiative development
• Honour and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing
• Increase economic and employment opportunities
• Include culturally and regionally appropriate ceremonies and promote adherence to protocols for events, openings, installations and initiatives
• Serve as a mentor for Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, partners and volunteers
• Support workforce learning and development

More on Science North’s Outreach programs can be found here.