Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian youth explore STEM and future careers at StFX X-STEM Camp

Press Release

June 12, 2026

Forty-nine Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian youth spent four days at St. Francis Xavier University exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities, cultural learning, and mentorship during the second annual X-STEM Overnight Camp, held June 4–7.

Organized by faculty members and their students in the Faculties of Education and Science, with financial support from X-Project and the Connecting Math to Our Lives and Communities (CMTOLC) outreach programs, the camp helps youth discover how STEM connects to their everyday lives while highlighting Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian ways of knowing through partnerships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, faculty and staff.

For many participants, the experience opened doors to new possibilities.

“Attending STEM camp showed me a lot more career opportunities that I did not consider before,” one camper said.

Campers and chaperones travelled from communities across Nova Scotia including Antigonish, We’koqma’q, Paqtnkek, Eskasoni and Potlotek. After arriving on campus on June 4, participants spent three nights in residence while taking part in a wide range of academic, cultural and recreational activities.

Throughout the camp, students engaged with faculty, staff and student volunteers through programs such as X-Chem, X-Oceans and the Flux Lab, as well as sessions offered by the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics, Biology, Psychology, Nursing, Art, and Human Kinetics. Activities included the Brain Game, a tour of the Nursing Skills Lab, stained-glass art creation and a variety of hands-on STEM challenges. NASA scientist Dr. Renee Horton also spent time with the youth in residence on Friday.

in hands-on learning experiences that help them to see themselves as future scientists or health practitioners. They see that StFX is a place for them. Faculty learn how to create meaningful cultural connections between their teaching and research and Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian ways of knowing, being and doing.

“By spending time together, we grow together and form relationships that will hopefully continue beyond the camp time. Students get to know the faculty and feel comfortable interacting with them. This makes university feel like a place where they can belong.”

Organizer Hannah Smith says their team spent a lot of time preparing for this camp. When they saw it all come together, the most rewarding aspect was watching the leadership of the campers throughout the weekend, she says.

“Not only did we notice campers learning, like how to perfect an acid-base titration, or design their own stained-glass art, but we noticed campers helping out, uplifting each other, and forming new friendships. It was a wonderful few days and I really enjoyed getting to know the campers.”

The camp opened with welcoming remarks from Dean of Science Dr. Joe Apaloo, African Nova Scotian drumming by Jada Desmond and Shomari Desmond, and a panel discussion featuring Black and Mi’kmaw StFX students. The event concluded with a closing banquet attended by StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and Linda Hakin, where Dr. Hakin shared a few words with the campers.

“On the Friday, we were delighted to have community Knowledge Keepers Joe Googoo, Tracey Googoo, and Terry Denny join us at Crystal Cliffs to share land-based knowledge. StFX biology professor Dr. Russell Wyeth also organized a juvenile lobster station catch and release on the beach and an opportunity to catch ‘critters’ at the nearby lagoon,” Ms. Smith says.

Outside of scheduled sessions, campers enjoyed swimming, gym activities, a movie night and other opportunities to connect with peers.

Parents and chaperones praised both the educational and social aspects of the experience.

One parent said their child had a wonderful time exploring new career possibilities, meeting new friends and getting exposure to a post-secondary campus, adding, “I hope this camp continues year after year.”

Another chaperone remarked how the students gained valuable knowledge from the variety of sessions offered. “We can’t wait to come again next year.”

ILR5