In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Joel Gamache, Director of Actua’s National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program, shares how he is helping Indigenous youth across Canada discover their potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From land-based learning to culturally grounded mentorship, Joel discusses the transformative power of community-centered STEM education, and how programs like InSTEM are creating pathways for Indigenous youth to become tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
Interview By SK Uddin
“Taanishi Joel Gamache dishinihkaashoon. Ma paraantii Lambert, Carriere, Dion, Rivard, Belanger, Bauchemin, Ducharme, Parisien, Klyne, Lafrance, Lariviere, Russian, Zace, Sayvoyard dit Berthelet, St. Denis. I am a proud Red River Métis man and a passionate educator. I introduce my family names in our traditional way to honour the values and teachings handed down to me, which serve as the foundation for my approach to leadership and education.” – Joel Gamache, Director, National Indigenous Youth in STEM Program, Actua.
Joel Gamache is the Director of the National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program at Actua. He brings a wealth of grounded experience to this role, having progressed through the education sector as a teacher, learning support facilitator, school administrator and divisional supervisor. Joel’s professional journey informs his strategic oversight of the InSTEMprogram, the first of its kind in Canada. Built on deep community partnerships, InSTEM works to dismantle barriers facing Indigenous youth on their educational and career pathways.
Under Joel’s leadership, InSTEM engages 40,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth across 200 communities annually. By drawing on his background in school leadership and land-based learning, he ensures his work remains rooted in the truth that Indigenous Knowledge is STEM knowledge. At Actua, Joel is helping to build a future-ready and culturally connected workforce where Indigenous youth see themselves as the leaders and innovators they are.
What inspired Actua’s focus on Indigenous communities, and how have these partnerships shaped your programs?
Actua’s focus on Indigenous communities grew from the realization that inspiring youth in STEM is only possible if we first address the systemic barriers that limit participation. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to see themselves in these fields, which led to the creation of the National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program.
Partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, leaders and Elders fundamentally shape our programming, grounding it in the understanding that Indigenous Knowledge is STEM knowledge. Each year we engage over 40,000 Indigenous youth in 200 communities, working closely with local Indigenous partners to link our programming to the local contexts, cultures and land. This approach supports the curiosity and confidence of Inuit, Métis and First Nations youth as they navigate their educational pathways. Ultimately, by supporting Indigenous leadership and self-determination in STEM, we help strengthen Canada’s science and innovation landscape through the vital contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
What key trends are you seeing among Indigenous youth in STEM and innovation today?
I am incredibly inspired by today’s youth and the path they are carving. They show immense courage in sharing their perspectives, both in offering their vision for the future and in their willingness to disengage from conversations or opportunities that they feel are disingenuous or risk causing harm. Indigenous youth today consistently advocate for meaningful engagement and thought leadership opportunities that support the next generation, while connecting deeply to current issues like environmental stewardship, language revitalization and land-based practices. I look forward to seeing this growing movement of bold leadership continue.
What makes an Indigenous-focused STEM program truly community-centred and impactful?
A community-centred program begins with the fundamental understanding that Indigenous Knowledge is STEM knowledge. This principle moves beyond simply adding cultural elements to a curriculum; it recognizes that Indigenous Knowledge systems inherently contain deep, sophisticated understandings of science, technology, engineering and math. By grounding InSTEM in land-based education, we ensure that programming is born from and intrinsically connected to the specific lands where youth live, making the learning experience both connected to community voice and culturally relevant, and where youth don’t feel they need to leave their identities behind to engage in STEM.
Impact is sustained through a commitment to the rich diversity of Indigenous perspectives across what is now Canada. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we honour the distinct languages, traditions and knowledge systems of each community. By engaging our partners as the primary drivers of our model, we ensure Actua’s programs are designed to address the specific priorities and opportunities identified by the communities themselves, supporting a future-ready generation of Indigenous leaders.
How can organizations better support Actua and Indigenous STEM initiatives in a respectful and meaningful way?
Supporting Indigenous STEM initiatives starts with a commitment to building long-term, respectful relationships that will have an immense impact on the communities we engage. Meaningful support means acting as a bridge, helping Actua provide clearer pathways between Indigenous youth and a future in STEM. Organizations can contribute by uplifting Indigenous voices to leadership and by creating the professional networks and mentorship opportunities youth need to navigate their futures with confidence. We welcome community partnerships and strategic funding to help support the next generation of Indigenous leaders in STEM. Visit actua.ca to learn more and reach out to start a conversation with us.
What is your vision for Indigenous youth in STEM over the next decade, and what advice would you give emerging program leaders?
I see a future where Indigenous youth recognize that their cultural knowledge systems, languages and ancestors carry immense wisdom about the world around us. It is a future where they see Indigenous Peoples – past, present and future – as the innovators, environmental technicians, mathematicians and engineers they have always been. When they enter a room, I want Indigenous youth to know their contributions are essential. Indigenous youth belong in STEM because they possess the unique ability to identify solutions that other worldviews might miss.
I see a generation of young people who see themselves as leaders, decision-makers and policy-setters. They deserve clear pathways for their journeys, supported by mentors who share their lived experiences and understand their path.
My advice is simple: do not underestimate the brilliance of our youth. They are living through today’s challenges and hold the in-depth knowledge required to solve them. We have an opportunity to be courageous and engage them as the leaders they already are, and to work together to create a positive and sustainable future.
Disclaimer : Indigenous-SME Business Magazine is committed to providing insightful interviews that highlight the successes and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not reflect the opinions of the magazine or its affiliates.
