Partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations to inspire STEM futures

For more than 15 years, Science Venture has provided STEM learning opportunities right where kids live, learn and play—sparking curiosity, removing barriers and creating pathways to further education.

Three people wearing chest waders stand on a river bank pulling in a net.

Sometimes the impact of a childhood learning experience reveals itself years down the line. For Jared Dick, a science summer camp sparked an interest that led to an education and career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“As a kid, I had pictured scientists in fancy lab coats mixing chemistry, something that felt a world away from me,” he said. “But then I realized that science was accessible, and I thought it was cool.”

Through summer camps in his community, Jared dove into experiments, gained hands-on experience, built confidence—and experienced a whole new way of seeing his future.

Raised in Port Alberni, Jared is a member of Hupacasath First Nation with strong ties to Tseshaht First Nation. His Nuu-chah-nulth name, Whehs-Wiss-Sunup, roughly translates to “create land.”

From counting fish to completing a master’s

Jared began his undergraduate degree at UVic, taking courses in marine biology and environmental studies. After his first year, he joined Uu-a-thluk, the Fisheries Department of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, as an intern collecting data on salmon. He enjoyed his internship so much, he returned every summer for four years.

During his second internship, something shifted for Jared. “I had a science teacher in grade nine whose passion for education was infectious. At the time, I was inspired to become a teacher and make the same impact,” he recalls.

“But my internships turned my focus to environmental stewardship and resource protection. I fell in love with fieldwork. It was like being a kid playing outdoors again. Taking boat trips, exploring river systems, and seeing more of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth territories left an impression on me.”

In 2016, he earned his BSc in marine biology and continued his career with Uu-a-thluk, moving from associate biologist to regional fisheries biologist. “The fun aspect of my work also means collecting meaningful data to support fisheries management and supporting the self-determination of the Nations,” Jared says.

Today, Jared is a master’s student. He is continuing a journey that first began with teachings by his late grandparents, who instilled in him the importance of environmental stewardship.

“My grandpa often talked about protecting our salmon, protecting the forest and respecting nature.”

Jared’s master’s research examines how Nuu-chah-nulth perspectives can inform a federal Chinook salmon rebuilding plan, developed in collaboration with West Coast Vancouver Island First Nations and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Experts have identified concerns, such as loss of spawning habitat, harvest pressures and decreased juvenile survival. Jared is conducting his research with Natalie Ban, environmental studies professor, at the Marine Ethnoeocology Lab and in partnership with Ha’oom Fisheries Society and the DFO.

Seeing is believing

A child is seated at a table and guides an “Ozobot” along a path drawn on a piece of paper. — A child guides an “Ozobot” during a STEM activity at a Science Venture – Uu-a-thluk science camp. An Ozobot is a small, programmable robot that has sensors on the bottom that detect colour and contrast. When placed on a surface with drawn lines, the sensors help move the robot along a path. Photo by Irine Polyzogopoulos/Uu-a-thluk.

Mini robots whir to life in the hands of young makers, palms press into gooey slime and giggles erupt as foamy “elephant toothpaste” shoots upward. These hands-on STEM activities create unforgettable “wow” moments through Science Venture’s programming.

A key feature is the Indigenous STEM outreach program, a partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations on Vancouver Island that brings STEM directly to youth.

Gill Gawron joined Science Venture in summer 2025 as an Indigenous STEM outreach coordinator. In addition to local sites, she and her team have delivered STEM opportunities across Vancouver Island, including Port Hardy, Fort Rupert and Port McNeil. From January to September 2025, the team reached more than 1,000 Indigenous youth (ages 6–11) across 15 communities.

“The coolest thing is watching kids problem-solve,” Gill says, recalling a camper who turned frustration into triumph by building an operational popsicle stick bow. “In that moment, he was beaming from ear to ear.”

Lessons weave traditional teachings into every activity. Elders participate by sharing their knowledge on resource management and the land. The outreach team also connects learning outcomes to cultural values. “Uu-a-thluk means ‘taking care of,'” Gill explains.

“We talk about the importance of taking care of the planet, and caring for what cares for you.”

Through culturally grounded learning, Science Venture builds lasting connections. As one parent shared with Uu-a-thluk, “I’m happy that science camp was offered to our youth. It was such a great opportunity for my children to get out and bond over learning fun things together. My babies told fun, exciting stories every single day, which made me so proud.”

Reaching more communities

Three children, one wearing a T-shirt that reads All Generations Connected, and a teacher placing their hands in a bowl. — Children make elephant toothpaste during a STEM activity at a Science Venture – Uu-a-thluk science camp. Photo by Irine Polyzogopoulos/Uu-a-thluk.

Science Venture removes barriers to education in rural and underserved communities, visiting locations like Ucluelet, Tofino and Port Alberni. Many remote communities—including Kyuquot, Nuchatlaht and Alert Bay—remain difficult to access and require travel by boat or plane. Science Venture aspires to reach every First Nation on Vancouver Island at least once every two years.

As a non-profit organization, Science Venture relies on donor support. The organization is a member of Actua, a national charity that supports STEM outreach programs across Canada.

Demand for STEM programming is testament to its impact. David Jackson, director of Science Venture, says, "When we re-engage with youth year after year, our connection deepens. Names are remembered and trust strengthens. We see their interests grow over time. STEM outreach is about more than its content. It’s about relationships—to the land, to each other and ourselves. It’s a movement that is shaping the future of STEM leaders and the world.”

A river estuary with a mountain in the background.

Empowering future generations

Jared reflects on his early learning experiences, noting how science camps in community can open possibilities for youth and spark an interest in caring for their Nation’s natural resources in the future.

“Programming is essential for remote communities. As kids get older, the thought of moving from a small town to a big city for university can feel daunting. That’s why curiosity needs to be nurtured early.”

Bringing STEM to more youth

Science Venture aims to bring STEM to more Nuu-chah-nulth kids in their home communities through the UVic Science Venture – Uu-a-thluk Science Camp fund. Learning opportunities support kids in exploring their environment and imagining futures in marine science.