Kuujjuaq, Qc. (May 30, 2016) – The Kativik School Board and the Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) are proud to announce that two students from Salluit, Nunavik, won a bronze medal in the junior category during the Canada-Wide Science Fair (ESPC) that took place in Montreal from May 16 to 20, 2016.  Elaijah Isaac and Jenny Okituk are two secondary 2 students at Ikusik School. They impressed the judges with their project, “Qullik 2.0: An update of the Inuit traditional lamp”.

Jenny and Elaijah had already been awarded the first prize in the secondary 2-3 category during Quebec’s Aboriginal Science Fair (ESAQ) on April 4 and 5, 2016, in Mistissini. The prize allowed them to qualify for the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) that took place in Montreal. They represented the Aboriginal Quebec Autochtone region at the CWSF. This cultural region includes all of Quebec’s First Nations and Inuit communities. It is one of the 50 regions recognized by Youth Science Canada, the organizer of the CWSF. The CWSF is a renowned contest that gathers the best 500 sciences projects of secondary students from across Canada.

Congratulations to Elaijah and Jenny, and to teacher Hugo Jourdain who supported them throughout the school year. We would also like to underline that during Quebec’s Aboriginal Science Fair in April 2016, Elaijah and Jenny had also received the Cultural Heritage Award. During this provincial event, the first prize in the secondary 4-5 category and the Health Excellence Award had also been awarded to a student from Salluit, Lucassie Amaamatuaq. Kudos to all of you!

About us:

QASEA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sciences and engineering to youths attending schools in Inuit and First Nations communities of Quebec. QASEA achieves its mission through the Aboriginal Science Fair Program – Quebec, which also includes mentoring for youths and teachers and training for teachers. More information at: www.esaquebec.ca

The Kativik School Board (KSB) was created in 1975, under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of academic services to the Nunavik population. Education programs developed by the KSB are offered in schools of the 14 Nunavik communities, in Inuktitut as first language and in French and English as second languages. The school board operates 17 primary and secondary schools as well as 5 adult education centres. More information at: www.kativik.qc.ca

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For more information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier

Public Relations Officer – Kativik School Board | (514) 482-8220 | publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca

or

Marc Lalande | President – QASEA Treasurer | (819) 684-1889