Western University’s Indigenous Services is hosting its seventh annual Indigenous Youth Mini-University Summer Program this week.
The goal of the program is to inspire Indigenous youth ages 12 to 16 from across Canada to pursue postsecondary education through on-campus learning experiences led by Indigenous students, staff, and faculty. A strong cultural component has been infused in the program integrating Indigenous perspectives, identity-building, traditional teachings and activities. The current session centers on programs in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Education and Business.
The theme of this year’s program is water and participants will have the opportunity to learn about water from various academic and cultural perspectives and join in a Water Walk along the Thames River on Thursday August 1 at 8:30am departing behind Elgin Hall residence on Western’s main campus. An Elder from one of the local First Nations communities will lead the youth, share teachings about water and a traditional water song.
The walk is inspired by the annual Mother Earth Water Walk in which participants walk around the Great Lakes, singing to the water and raising awareness about the significance of this resource and importance of protecting vital waterways.
A previous Indigenous Youth Mini-University session during the week of July 14, exposed 30 youth to science-related programs such as, Engineering, Health Science, Sciences, Medicine and Nursing.
Western’s Indigenous Services, part of Western’s Student Development Centre, is also partnering with Me to We, a sister organization of Free the Children, to deliver aspects of the program that focus on social awareness and positive change through leadership training. Representatives from Me to We will be working alongside Indigenous student staff to create a safe and culturally relevant learning experience for youth to explore their leadership potential.
MEDIA CONTACT: Candace Brunette, Indigenous Services Coordinator, 519-661-4095, or Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111 x85283, sledgley@uwo.ca
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