Whapmagoostui / Kuujjuaraapik, Qc. (March 20, 2025) – We are pleased to announce the names of the grand winners of this year’s edition of the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair: Ashton André Gauthier, from Kawawachikamach, with the project “Uncovering Contaminants: A Comparison of Schefferville’s Landfill and Knob Lake”, and Aiden-James Einish, from Kawawachikamach, with the project “Boiling for Relief: Labrador Tea’s Anti- Inflammatory Power in Arthritis Management” as well as the team formed by Errol Mianscum and Mark Petawabano (both from Mistissini), with the project “Niibii: The Source of Life”. Together, they will represent their nations within the “Aboriginal Quebec Autochtone” region at the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair (Fredericton, New Brunswick, May 31 to June 6, 2025).

In addition to the grand winners of the competition, prizes were also awarded in a number of categories, at a ceremony held this evening at the Whapmagoostui Sports Complex. Speaking at this special event, Master of Ceremony Mr. Matt Iserhoff, congratulated participants on their resourcefulness, hard work and ability to take a fresh look at the science embedded in Inuit and First Nations knowledge.

The 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair brought together participants from twenty one different First Nations and Inuit communities. The Anishnabeg, Naskapi, Cree, Huron-Wendat, Inuit, Innu, Micmac and Mohawk nations were represented.

Here is the list of all the winners:

Secondary 4 & 5 – 1st Place: Kanienkwentha McComber, Kahnawake

Secondary 4 & 5 – 2nd Place: Manie-Anicya Mark-Vollant, Pakua Shipi

Secondary 4 & 5 – 3rd Place: Aiyana Badger, Kitigan Zibi

Secondary 2 & 3 – 1st Place: Aiden-James Einish, Kawawachikamach

Secondary 2 & 3 – 2nd Place: Errol Mianscum and Mark Petawabano, Mistissini

Secondary 2 & 3 – 3rd Place: Kaylani Taiohontatatie Delormier, Kahnawake

Secondary 1 – 1st Place: Ashton André Gauthier, Kawawachikamach

Secondary 1 – 2nd Place: Nameto Cote and Cameron Decontie, Kitigan Zibi

Secondary 1 – 3rd Place: Peter Natachequan and Alister Sala, Kuujjuaraapik

Grade 6 – 1st Place: Henry Grimstead, Chisasibi

Grade 6 – 2nd Place: Kahnawiiostha Whyte-Turner, Kahnawake

Grade 6 – 3rd Place: Emily Brown and Kwanutin Lajeunesse-Bellefleur, Wendake

Grade 5 – 1st Place: Florence Villeneuve, Wendake

Grade 5 – 2nd Place: Shayana Jerome-Roy and Anne- Jolie Rankin-Ruperthouse, Abitibiwinni

Grade 5 – 3rd Place: Willow Jackson, Kahnawake

Health Science Special Award: Aiyana Badger, Kitigan Zibi

Environmental Project Special Award: Ashton André Gauthier, Kawawachikamach

Cultural Heritage Special Award: Manie-Anicya Mark-Vollant, Pakua Shipi

Communication Special Award: Nameto Cote & Cameron Decontie, Kitigan Zibi

Université du Québec’s Scientific Development Special Award: Émy-Julia Minikapu, Ekuanitshit & Raylene Martinhunter & Kaylene Martinhunter, Oujé Bougoumou

Chercheur d’un jour Special Award (Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval) :  Manie-Anicya Mark-Vollant, Pakua Shipi

Innovation Special Award : Florence Villeneuve, Wendake

Awarded participation in the the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair, within the “Aboriginal Quebec Autochtone” region : Ashton André Gauthier (Kawawachikamach), Aiden-James Einish (Kawawachikamach), Errol Mianscum and Mark Petawabano (Mistissini)

About us:

The Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sciences and engineering to youth attending school in First Nations and Inuit Communities in Quebec. QASEA achieves its mission through the Indigenous Science Fair Program. More information at: www.asfquebec.ca

The Cree School Board was formally established in 1978 as a result of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975. Its purpose is to serve the Cree of Eeyou Istchee and to empower us to take control of our own education system, ensuring that it reflects our values, protects our language and culture, and upholds the traditional ways of our people. In addition, the Cree School Board is committed to providing quality education, fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for our iiyiyiu/iinuu (people) and maaniteu (visitors) that live in our communities. More information can be found at: www.eeyoueducation.ca

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the school board of Nunavik, was created in 1975 under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of educational services to all Nunavik residents. Under the JBNQA, the school board also acts as an institution with unique powers and jurisdiction geared towards the protection and development of the Inuit language, culture and way of life through the delivery of tailored educational services and programs. The education programs developed by the school board are offered in all schools of the 14 Nunavik communities, in Inuktitut as first language and in French and English as second languages. The school board operates 18 primary and secondary schools, as well as 6 adult education centres. For more information, visit kativik.qc.ca.

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For information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Communications Coordinator, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
Cell: 514 797-8220 or 514 482-8220 ext. 309 | publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca

or

Marc Lalande
President-Treasurer
Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA)
819 661-5186

or

Beth Wabano
Communications Consultant, Cree School Board
Cell: (705) 221 1712 or (418) 923 2764 ext. 1412 | beth.wabano@cscree.qc.ca