Science North expands engagement with Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario with support from TD Bank Group
Press Release
(SUDBURY, ON) Today, Science North announced a $300,000 investment from TD Bank Group (TD) to support expanded engagement with youth from Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario. Building on the success of the centre’s Indigenous Ways of Knowing project launched in 2022, this project will increase equitable access to hands-on science learning.
“Reconciliation is at the heart of our values at Science North, as we work closely with Indigenous partners to foster community, strengthen relationships, and inspire Indigenous youth to explore futures in science,” explains Science North’s CEO Ashley Larose. “This initiative reflects a deepened commitment to building lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities, while creating opportunities for youth to engage with and pursue pathways in STEM.”
Science North will engage 8,000 youth in First Nation schools to inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on, interactive science programming over two years. Building on strongly established partnerships with First Nations education councils and schools, Science North’s educational outreach team will make in-person visits to 30 communities, expanding and enhancing relationships with youth in the region. Deepened relationships through repeat visits allow Science North to continue engaging youth from Indigenous communities in STEM education, increasing their comfort level with science, and building on the ‘wow’ factor that inspires more learning. Science North will make this programming even more relevant and engaging by working closely with its Indigenous Advisory Committees (IAC) on content development and delivery.
“Science North’s innovative Indigenous Ways of Knowing program is fostering stronger connections with Indigenous youth and their communities while highlighting the value of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and culture in STEM education,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “I would like to thank TD Bank Group for
supporting the expansion of this important community-building initiative as we work together towards reconciliation.”
“Creating practical pathways and engaging First Nations youth across Northern Ontario fosters lifelong interests and develops careers in the sciences,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Through hands-on STEM learning and partnerships like Science North, we’re connecting young people to high growth opportunities in science, technology, and engineering—right in their own communities.”
“We know the strongest programs are built with communities, not for them,” said Jett Lafantaisie, Regional Manager, Ontario, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group. “Through the
TD Ready Commitment, we’re proud to support‑ Science North as they work with Indigenous communities to create hands on learning that helps youth in those communities see themselves in STEM.”
Since 2017, with support from TD, Science North has engaged nearly 40,000 students and youth from Indigenous communities in rural, remote and far north regions across Northern Ontario.
About Science North
Science North brings science to life by connecting people through stories, curiosity, and shared exploration. As Northern Ontario’s premier science destination, it offers immersive, hands-on experiences at two dynamic science centres in Greater Sudbury: Science North and Dynamic Earth. At Science North, visitors explore world-class exhibits, an IMAX® theatre, a digital Planetarium, a butterfly gallery, and four floors of interactive STEM experiences. Dynamic Earth, home to the iconic Big Nickel, features earth sciences exhibits, a lapidary lab, and an underground mining tour. Beyond its walls, Science North sparks curiosity across Northern Ontario with dedicated satellite offices in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. Through these hub locations Science North provides innovative outreach programs, long-term exhibitions, school visits, festivals, and summer camps across the North. Science North also creates and tours award-winning exhibitions and immersive experiences worldwide. In partnership with Laurentian University, it also delivers North America’s only comprehensive Science Communication graduate program. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit sciencenorth.ca.
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Media Contact:
Julia Aelick
Senior Manager, Marketing
705-523-3865
Julia.aelick@sciencenorth.ca
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