Organized by the Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA), 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this event, which annually brings together over 80 students to share their individual projects. This year’s edition will also feature a co-hosted event, a joint effort by Kativik Ilisarniliriniq and the Cree School Board, which will take place in Kuujjuaraapik and Whapmagoostui on March 18, 19, and 20, 2025.

“This event has a trickle-down effect. Initially, students exhibit their projects at their school. Those selected then travel to the provincial event. Over the years, we’ve seen more one-person teams participate. It’s clear our students have gained confidence in their own personal projects and exhibits,” Marc Lalande, President of QASEA.

Each year Kativik Ilisarnilirniq schools host their own local science fairs. Students of all ages organize and present their science projects, with a total of 5 projects from across Nunavik selected to proceed to the province wide event. During the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair (QISF), the selected participants exhibit and share their projects. Up to four high school-level projects are then chosen to attend the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), a pan-Canadian event that unites over 500 students from across the country.

“Many students will focus on projects tied to their heritage. It’s fascinating because they take what their ancestors started-the tools they developed-and create a scientific approach to explain their heritage and traditions. These are not projects; students choose topics that resonate with them, and that’s what makes it so interesting,” explains Marc Lalande, President of QASEA.

The Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science and engineering to Indigenous youth in First Nations and Inuit communities in Quebec. Be sure to check your school’s Facebook page for updates on local science projects, and for more information about this year’s event, please visit the QASEA website.