BRANTFORD, ON (November 15, 2021) – On December 9, 2021, the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) will host a technical career fair for First Nations youth through its Technical Youth Career Outreach Project (TYCOP). The focus of the event will be to empower and inform Indigenous youth of the various technical STEM-related careers that exist, while connecting these careers to traditional Indigenous knowledge and culture.
“It’s important to realize that, although it might not seem like it on the surface, but our identities as Indigenous people are directly connected to science, technology, engineering, and math careers,” said Melanie Debassige, Executive Director of the OFNTSC. “We hope this event will help First Nations youth look at STEM careers from a different perspective; one that is directly connected to who we are as Indigenous peoples.”
Featuring various speakers on topics ranging from decolonizing climate action to the cultural significance of water and traditional architecture, this event will be held online and is open to all First Nations youth in Ontario. Keynote speaker, Anthony Johnson, winner of the Amazing Race Canada Season 7, will share his experience growing up as an Indigenous youth, and the mentors he had along the way.
Mentorship is also a key component of the Career Fair and the TYCOP program. Mentorship has numerous benefits for both the mentor and the mentee. These benefits include forming encouraging and empowering relationships, giving/receiving help with identifying educational and career goals, increased confidence, access to broader perspectives, and so much more. Through TYCOP, youth are connected with mentors in various technical fields.
The Technical Youth Career Outreach Project (TYCOP) empowers and encourages Ontario First Nation youth to study and pursue careers in science and technology by illustrating personal, professional, community and global benefits of education attainment. Career choices in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) help to create future capacity in areas that are vital to First Nations sustainability and self-determination.
Registration is currently open and youth can register at https://www.accelevents.com/e/tycop-career-fair-2021.