Kuujjuaq, Qc. (March 28, 2019) – We are pleased to announce the names of the grand winners of this year’s edition of the Quebec Aboriginal Science Fair: Mya McGregor, from Kahnawake, with the project “Perfect Soccer Ball”, and Karihohetstha Cupples, from Kanesatake, with a project on the healing properties of cedar. Together, they will represent their nation within the “Aboriginal Quebec Autochtone” region at the 2019 Canada-Wide Science Fair (Fredericton, New Brunswick, May 15-17, 2019). Furthermore, Destiny Cote, from Kitigan Zibi, was awarded the opportunity to participate in the Expo-Sciences International 2019, an event taking place in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates, September 2019). Destiny presented a project that explored the use of art as a therapy.

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 Kuujjuaq municipal office’s auditorium. Speaking at this special event, Etua Snowball, Director of Education Services, 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 2019 Quebec Aboriginal Science Fair brought together participants from thirty different First Nations and Inuit communities. The Algonquin, Atikamekw, Cree, Huron-Wendat, Inuit, Innu, Micmac and Mohawk nations were represented.

• Health Science Special Award: Veronica Fleming-Masty and Samiel Ittoshat (Kuujjuaraapik)
• Environmental Project Special Award: Ella Grimstead and Rim Rhdaifi (Chisasibi)
• Cultural Heritage Special Award: Tharonhienhawihtha Cross (Kahnawake)
• Communication Special Award: Hope Tenasco (Kitigan Zibi)
• Université du Québec’s Scientific Development Special Award : Siarra McDougall (Barriere Lake) and George Qavavau (Salluit)
• Secondary 4 & 5 – 1st Place: Karihohetstha Cupples (Kanesatake)
• Secondary 4 & 5 – 2nd Place: Destiny Cote (Kitigan Zibi)
• Secondary 4 & 5 – 3rd Place: Celine Tukalak and Sarah Uqaituk-Cormier (Puvirnituq)
• Secondary 2 & 3 – 1st Place: Mercedes Cote and McKenzie Cote (Kitigan Zibi)
• Secondary 2 & 3 – 2nd Place: Mya McGregor (Kahnawake)
• Secondary 2 & 3 – 3rd Place: Zak Flamand and Owen Quitich (Manawan)
• Secondary 1 – 1st Place: Jocelyn Etok and Dalacia Etok (Kangiqsualujjuaq)
• Secondary 1 – 2nd Place: Akwirahronken Bordeau (Kahnawake)
• Secondary 1 – 3rd Place: Danyka Nepton and Mélory Verreault (Mashteuiatsh)
• 6th Grade – 1st Place: Ella Grimstead and Rim Rhdaifi (Chisasibi)
• 6th Grade – 2nd Place: Daisy Paul and Jordyn McComber (Kahnawake)
• 6th Grade – 3rd Place: Mercedes Jourdain and Awastia Sioui-Audette (Wendake)
• 5th Grade – 1st Place: Yocoisse Sioui-Audette and Wa’ta Gros-louis (Wendake)
• 5th Grade – 2nd Place: Hope Tenasco (Kitigan Zibi)
• 5th Grade – 3rd Place: Dan-Martin Flamand and Meaghen Moarfrom (Manawan)

About us:

The Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sciences and engineering to Aboriginal youth attending school in First Nations and Inuit Communities in Quebec. QASEA achieves its mission through the Aboriginal Science Fair Program. More information at: www.asfquebec.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 17 primary and secondary schools as well as 5 adult education centres and a pre-college facility. More information can be found at: www.kativik.qc.ca

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 For information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Communications Coordinator
publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca

or

Marc Lalande
President-Treasurer
Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA)
(819) 684-1889