An Indigenous internship and graduate program will be launched in Victoria on June 3, 2024, by RaceRocks 3D, an Indigenous-owned aerospace and defence training company.

B次元官网网址淚ndigenous peoples make up 5 per cent of adults in Canada but less than 2 per cent of people working in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) occupations,B次元官网网址� said Melissa Lundy, communications, Indigenous and government relations specialist at RaceRocks.

Kishkayhta (M茅tis for knowledge and learning) will provide hands-on experience and equip participants with the necessary skills to thrive in the defence and aerospace sectors.

B次元官网网址淚ts mission is to provide an Indigenous-led and culturally relevant hands-on paid program for Indigenous people in STEAM,B次元官网网址� Lundy said.

RaceRocks is a woman-led and Indigenous-owned training company established in 2010. The company is based in Victoria, B.C., but operates as a fully remote organization with over 40 employees across Canada.

Funds for the launch were made possible through RaceRocksB次元官网网址� $3 million funding round, led by Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.

B次元官网网址淭he program integrates Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing with Western science to broaden the world around us,B次元官网网址� said Lundy.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recommended education reforms in Canada. The educational reforms were suggested to ensure Indigenous peoples are accepted as equals in all fields, including STEAM.

B次元官网网址淜ishkayhta will reach Indigenous Peoples across Canada, removing barriers while supporting and uplifting Indigenous success in STEAM,B次元官网网址� said Anita Pawluk, RaceRocksB次元官网网址� CEO and President.

The launch will mark RaceRocksB次元官网网址� first internship collaboration with Camosun College, which is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students and representing a new way to help them in STEAM careers.

B次元官网网址淲hat we imagine can come true. As the first male in my family to graduate college, I paved the way for others. Now, as a student starting a new career,B次元官网网址� said Kiefer Hay, a software engineering Kishkayhta intern student.

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