For over 10 years, Nunavik students have participated in the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair (QISF), a unique opportunity to promote science and engineering to Indigenous students in First Nations and Inuit communities across Quebec.

Each year, Indigenous youth from across the province submit projects that reflect scientific merit and originality. Selected participants then travel to an Indigenous community or educational institution and present their findings to a panel of judges from the Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA)

To register, Nunavik students must submit a 5-page report, a photo of their team, and a 2-minute video explaining their project. The research is then assessed by the Kativik Ilisarniliriniq team of judges and those selected are invited to attend the QISF. After a 3-day exhibition, three winning teams are selected from 5 different categories.  Prizes awarded include cash prizes, grants and trophies. Four of the selected projects are chosen to continue on to the Canada-wide Science Fair held annually in a Canadian province.

It is no small feat to send students from across Nunavik to attend the QISF. Students stay at a hotel and must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of their trip. Science aside, the QISF is also a unique opportunity to meet fellow exhibiting students and participate in ice-breaking activities such as sports or opening and closing ceremonies.

If you would like to participate in the QISF next year, coordinator Caroline Martin has a few tips: “Start early! Create a space so that students can choose a project that is meaningful to them, it makes all the difference! If students take something from their day-to-day life that interests them or peaks their curiosity, and then they look at it from a scientific lens, that’s already a win.”

This year, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq had 5 groups travel to Université Laval from March 21 to 24. From among these groups School won the Special Prize Innovation for their project “Use of tetra recycled containers for heating of houses and cabins, as well taking home first place for their project “Designing a multi-purpose truck for the municipality.” Arsaniq School won third place for their project “What is the best way to pull a dog sled?”; and last but not least, Nuvviti School won in two special categories: the Cultural Heritage Prize and the Scientific Development Prize for their project “Des peaux qui glissent”, for which they will receive a visit from a research professor at their school at some point during the year.

To participate in next year’s Quebec Indigenous Science Fair or if you have any additional questions, contact Caroline Martin, Pedagogical Counsellor   ✉