The Trent Aboriginal and Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) Program, a youth program run through the Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science (IESS) program at Trent University, which combines both Indigenous knowledge and scientific principles, has received a boost of support for their innovative programming thanks to a $90,000 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The funding from NSERC’s PromoScience program, a program which offers support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering, was part of a larger announcement made today at the Canadian Association of Science Centre’s (CASC) Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"Having NSERC recognize TRACKS' award-winning approach to learning is indeed heartening and inspiring,” said Professor Dan Longboat, director of the IESS program at Trent University. “TRACKS' approach has already shown the benefits of engaging youth. By deepening their connection and responsibility to the world around them, youth are inspired to create a better world for their children's children. NSERC should be applauded for their visionary insight.”  

Over the past five years, the TRACKS Youth Program has grown from an idea to a well-established youth initiative within the University, in Peterborough, and throughout surrounding Indigenous communities. Initially conceived by faculty members, staff and students in the IESS program and members of local First Nations communities, TRACKS operates in partnership with IESS and the Kawartha World Issues Centre as a distinct program guided and led by Indigenous community partners and University representatives.

This renewal and enhanced funding awarded to TRACKS by NSERC will help support program and capacity enhancements over the next three years. In August 2015, TRACKS was also awarded $25,000 as the only Canadian winner among five other North American programs in the inaugural UL Innovation in Education Award, administered by the North American Association of Environmental Educators.

"It is very encouraging that NSERC is supportive of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students' learning and exploration using Indigenous and environmental science perspectives,” said Dr. Chris Furgal, a faculty member in the IESS program. “Trent and the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences Program is very proud of the way that TRACKS has embodied and put into practice the IESS philosophy. Through its work with youth in the region, the program introduces and engages hundreds of students each year to this innovative and exciting approach to learning about the world around us. The support and recognition from NSERC is the latest in a series of well-deserved awards highlighting this great initiative."

Having secured three-year funding from NSERC, TRACKS will continue to foster science skills in Indigenous youth by promoting Indigenous knowledge systems as an important element of scientific research and innovation. The grant will also allow them to pilot a leadership program for older youth ages 13-18. Youth will build skills as they connect with participants from other communities on overnight retreats and complete a certificate program based on volunteering and mentorship.