More needs to be done to encourage Indigenous people to pursue STEM careers: report
Posted Mar 3, 2019 9:22 am.
Last Updated Mar 3, 2019 9:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — A new report by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business suggests more needs to be done to encourage Indigenous people to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Indigenous population is the youngest and fastest growing demographic in Canada and there is already a strong interest in social sciences, humanities and fine arts.
“If these driver-less machines are going to be going on in the territories, why can’t we make sure our Indigenous youth are empowered to take advantage of those opportunities? They won’t even have to leave their community to do so,” said President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, J.P. Gladu. “So it’s those types of innovative thinking and policies and practices and getting ahead of the curve to make sure we’re not left behind.”
Gladu adds, the first positive step that can be taken is identifying what the barriers are right now to Indigenous participation in the new economy.
“Indigenous students need to be aware, entrepreneurs need to be aware, business people need to be aware, scientist and technicians… that there are new pathways that can lead to career changes and achievements,” Gladu said.
The recommendations include all levels of government, Indigenous communities and the private sector working as one.
Read the whole report here.
