September 14, 2022
In coordination with Global Biotech Week in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Genome Prairie announced today it will be hosting a special webinar event, “Indigenous Voices in Science,” on Tuesday, September 27th. The event will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (MDT) and brings together accomplished Indigenous individuals who have made a career in science and research to share their life experiences. Panelists will share their stories, including the obstacles faced and successes realized in pursuing their career dreams.
Moderated by Blaine Chartrand, Program Head of the BioScience Technology Program of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Chartrand will be joined by Dr. Kyle Bobiwash, an Indigenous scholar, and Assistant Professor of Entomology at the University of Manitoba. Also joining the panel is Dawn Pratt, founder of askenootwo STEM. Pratt has devoted nearly 25 years of her life educating and empowering indigenous youth in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The panel also features other Indigenous individuals who have realized great success in science, including Gord Monroe, a laboratory technician at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), and Amber Thomas, an Operation Technologist at the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
“We are honored to host this event that coincides with Global Biotech Week and honors Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Mike Cey, Genome Prairie CEO. “This is an amazing panel with important stories to share about their experiences pursuing their career dreams.”
“As we move towards reconciliation, it is essential that the biotechnology and genomics sectors be open and inclusive to everyone, particularly young Indigenous people,” said Cey. “There is amazing potential for growth with our Indigenous partners. Honouring and embracing that inspiration will make us all stronger for the future.”
The Indigenous Voices in Science panel will be held in person at Boffins Public House in Saskatoon. The panel discussion will also be available to registered attendees via a Zoom webinar channel.
The Indigenous Voices in Science webinar event is free for all who register. Those interested in joining the event in person or online can do so by going to globalbiotechweeksask.ca and clicking on events or going directly to the event registration page (click here to register now).
