“We’re space-makers, essentially,” says Bernie Petit, Education Coordinator for Indigenous Programs at the CLS. She works to weave together traditional Indigenous ways of knowing, including her extended family’s traditional Anishinaabe and Cree knowledge and her own experiences, with mainstream science.
Petit encourages Indigenous students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math. “For all of you that are out there: if you have an interest in science, go for science,” she says.
Her latest programs at the CLS include: paskwâwimostos (ᐸᐢᑳᐧᐃᐧᒧᐢᑐᐢ or Bison Project) where students learn about traditional bison herds; kîwetinotahk mahkêsîs (ᑮᐁᐧᑎᓄᑕ ᒪᐦᑫᓰᐢ or Arctic Fox Project) that teaches students about the Canadian Arctic; and a Light Source Student Experience Project where students learn about berries, including their use in traditional Indigenous medicines and diets.
As part of a discussion about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Petit highlighted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action – particularly those dedicated to science.
“A lot of people associate the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action with education or childhood welfare, but our Elders and our Knowledge Keepers did a lot of work creating ten Calls to Action for scientists as well,” she explains. “So, I focus on those TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] Actions, and I try to implement them within our work every day.”
Learn more about the programs.
To arrange an interview, contact:
Victoria Schramm
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Light Source
306-657-3516
victoria.schramm@lightsource.ca