In this exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Magazine, Jennifer Flanagan, Co-founder and CEO of Actua, and Joel Gamache, Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM Program Sr Manager, share their vision for transforming STEM education for Indigenous youth. Through their innovative InSTEM program, they break down barriers and provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage with STEM, offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and land-based learning experiences. Their work is helping shape Canada’s future workforce by fostering inclusivity, diversity, and leadership in the sciences, with a particular focus on empowering youth from underrepresented communities.
Jennifer Flanagan, Actua’s Co-founder and CEO, is a visionary leader transforming Canada’s STEM education landscape. A trailblazer in technology equity, STEM education, diversity and inclusion, Jennifer’s expertise has propelled Actua’s growth, helping the organization engage 500 000 youth annually and dismantling systemic barriers to STEM engagement. Actua’s programs focus on girls, Indigenous youth, Black Youth, youth in rural and remote communities including in the North, and youth experiencing socio-economic challenges.
Joel Gamache is a proud Red River Métis man and passionate educator and is Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM Program Sr Manager. Joel has previously served as a learning support facilitator, Administrator and Divisional Supervisor. Joel and his family have always been connected to the land. Those lessons and experiences carry and guide him through his life as a Michif person.
How does Actua’s InSTEM program uniquely address the barriers Indigenous youth face in STEM education, and what impact have you seen on participants’ confidence and career aspirations?
Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program is centered on recognizing, articulating and demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge is STEM knowledge. We invite youth to learning experiences on the land and ongoing mentorship with practitioners through a relational and strength-based approach. Actua works to create next-step opportunities and pathways where youth can see themselves represented in each step ahead – from elementary school, through high school and into post-secondary education. We identify our priorities collaboratively with communities, youth and Elders. This approach responds to the local needs of not only our human relatives and their ancestral knowledge but also that of our first teacher, the land. This land-based approach braids the traditional knowledge of the area and the cultural community priorities. We recognize this is a non-linear process, with many entry points where youth can find community and don’t need to choose between Indigenous knowledge and STEM. Supporting their sense of belonging is an important element of our programming and critical to sustaining engagement throughout their educational journey.
Can you share a success story that exemplifies how the InSTEM model has transformed a young person’s life or career trajectory?
It is challenging to share only one success story, but our current InSTEM intern, who is a first-year undergraduate student, is a good example. Benji began their InSTEM journey three years ago, when they connected with Actua at one of our high-school land camps. Benji was inspired by the experience and Elder guidance to continue connecting with Indigenous knowledge and STEM. Later, they joined the Actua InSTEM Youth Council, returned to the land camp a second time, and were recognized by their high school for their leadership. They found the courage through Actua’s InSTEM Youth Delegation to pursue post-secondary education despite describing academia as unattainable in their high school graduating year. As an Actua intern, Benji is now actively mentoring and supporting within our InSTEM programs, developing opportunities for other youth to find their voice and offer their unique perspectives. They are leading conversations within our network, speaking at national conferences and offering their wisdom on how to engage and inspire Indigenous youth in STEM. Benji will also work as an Actua outreach instructor this summer, delivering STEM outreach programming in the North with the hope of inspiring the next generation of youth.
How do you see Actua’s work contributing to Canada’s innovation future, and what role do you believe early STEM engagement plays in shaping the country’s workforce?
Canada has an opportunity to take on global leadership in areas like AI innovation and scientific discovery, but we need a strong, skilled and passionate STEM workforce to do that. Actua is proud to be part of ensuring that the next generation is not only ready for the jobs of the future but also inspired to lead in them.
We build in-demand skills for youth in STEM. Canada is facing a critical workforce shortage in STEM fields and building that workforce starts now. From elementary school through high school and into post-secondary education, Actua helps youth see the opportunities within STEM fields. Youth need to know they belong and that the skills they develop will unlock their leadership potential.
Beyond careers, sparking scientific curiosity is also important. Kids are naturally curious, and we want to nurture that curiosity to get them excited, not just about science but also their ability to shape the world around them.
In what ways does Actua’s approach to STEM education differ from traditional methods, particularly in engaging underrepresented groups like girls, Black youth, and those in remote communities?
Many youth across Canada – especially those from groups traditionally underrepresented and underemployed in STEM – are telling us that they don’t see themselves in these fields. They love building, designing, problem-solving and scientific discovery, but they don’t see how their identity connects with “STEM”. That’s a problem we’re actively working to solve.
In addition to STEM engagement, Actua works to break down the systemic barriers preventing youth from engaging in the first place, including financial, geographical, institutional and societal ones. We do this by partnering with school boards, educators, parents, community organizations and Indigenous leaders.
Beyond access, we know that STEM has to feel approachable, fun and safe for youth to truly engage. Our network of 40+ university- and college-based members delivers culturally relevant programming, connecting STEM to real-life experiences in ways that feel meaningful to youth. We also have programs designed specifically for Black youth, girls, Indigenous youth and those facing socio-economic barriers or living in remote communities.
As we conclude, what advice would you offer to small and medium-sized businesses looking to support STEM education and diversity in their local communities?
One of the most valuable ways for a business to make an impact is through representation. When young people see professionals who look like them in STEM careers, it helps them envision themselves there too. Beyond visibility, offering internships, summer jobs and mentorship programs can give students hands-on experience and the confidence to pursue their career goals. Businesses can also work directly with organizations like Actua to support hands-on STEM engagement with youth.
