Indigenous Students Advance Careers Through Innovative Internship Program

Nineteen Indigenous undergraduates from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities recently completed a transformative 16-week internship that equips them for impactful careers in environmental fields. The I-STEAM Pathways program, hosted at the University of Alberta, offered these students a paid opportunity to conduct research in their areas of study while being mentored by faculty and experienced researchers.

For participant Chance Park, the internship involved studying the interaction between a fungus and a mite that attaches to the mountain pine beetle, known for its destructive impact on lodgepole pines. Park elaborated, “The mite feeding on the fungus will produce these chemical compounds, called volatiles, that could, in theory, stimulate growth without physical connection, just by chemical connection.” He was particularly focused on measuring direct biomass of the fungus, which he described as a “pretty cool” experience.

The diversity of research topics undertaken by the interns was notable. Some explored natural immune protection among farm fish, while others examined the exposure of First Nations to wildfires in northern Ontario and the environmental threats facing polar bears, employing cutting-edge nanotechnology.

Throughout the program, interns participated in various activities designed to enhance their academic and professional skills. Park noted the value of attending seminar meetings, engaging in mock candidacy interviews with PhD and master’s students, and enjoying networking lunches with faculty members. He expressed gratitude for the support provided, stating, “They really just support you throughout the way… I’ve met so many professors and obtained numerous research positions just from this internship.”

Dr. Makere Stewart-Harawira, the program lead, emphasized the importance of bridging western scientific knowledge with Indigenous wisdom. “In this time that we’re in of environmental crisis or climate crisis, Indigenous knowledge, but also Indigenous people in positions of influence and policy-making, is so critical,” she remarked. Dr. Stewart-Harawira, who hails from Aotearoa, New Zealand, described her role in the program as a significant privilege, reflecting on the importance of empowering Indigenous students to become leaders in their fields.

The I-STEAM Pathways program serves as a vital initiative for fostering connections between Indigenous communities and academic institutions, ultimately aiming to cultivate future environmental stewards. As these interns embark on their professional journeys, the skills and relationships they have developed during this program will undoubtedly contribute to their ability to address pressing environmental challenges.