The Cree School Board and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq to Co-Host the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair in Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik on March 18 to 20, 2025

Montreal, Qc. (March 17, 2025) – The Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA), the Cree School Board (CSB) and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (KI) are delighted to announce that the 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair will be held on March 18 to 20, in Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik.

On March 19 and 20, approximately 80 participants will present their science projects to judges at the Kuujjuaraapik Triple Gym. Parents and local residents are welcome on March 19 all day and on March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The teams having developed the best projects will be awarded prizes. Winners will be announced on March 20, at a closing ceremony that will be broadcasted live on social media (Facebook/CreeSchoolBd).

Many activities have also been planned for participants. The organizers’ goal is to ensure that visitors get a taste of the Cree and Inuit cultures during their stay in Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik. Activities proposed will include movie nights, games, sports and much more.

Among the winners at the secondary level, up to four will be selected to represent the “Aboriginal Quebec Autochtone” region at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (Fredericton, New Brunswick, May 31 to June 6, 2025). In addition, one of the participants may also be awarded the opportunity to attend the MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2025, an event taking place in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates, September 27 to October 3, 2025).

Every year, the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair host is selected by the QASEA among the different Indigenous communities or post-secondary institutions in the province.

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“Under the theme Science in Action with Indigenous Peoples, the science fair brings together First Nations and Inuit youth from across the whole province. It provides a unique opportunity for them to shine while showcasing the science projects they developed,” says Marc Lalande, President of QASEA.

“I am truly proud that the Cree School Board is organizing this fantastic event. Hands-on science projects offer a powerful learning experience, allowing students to engage with Indigenous knowledge and recognize it as science. I hope this process inspires our youth to explore their passion for science and pursue it further,” said Caroline Mark, Director General at the Cree School Board.

“These two days will be a wonderful opportunity for Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik parents and residents to engage with our youth. It’s always amazing to see bright and curious minds at work. I encourage everyone to visit the event on March 19 and 20, at the Kuujjuaraapik triple Gym. You’ll be impressed, I guarantee it!” said Harriet Keleutak, Director General of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.

About us:

The Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sciences and engineering to youth attending school in First Nations and Inuit Communities in Quebec. QASEA achieves its mission through the Indigenous Science Fair Program. More information at: www.asfquebec.ca.

The Cree School Board was formally established in 1978 as a result of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975. Its purpose is to serve the Cree of Eeyou Istchee and to empower us to take control of our own education system, ensuring that it reflects our values, protects our language and culture, and upholds the traditional ways of our people. In addition, the Cree School Board is committed to providing quality education, fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for our iiyiyiu/iinuu (people) and maaniteu (visitors) that live in our communities. More information can be found at: www.eeyoueducation.ca

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the school board of Nunavik, was created in 1975, under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of educational services to all Nunavik residents. Under the JBNQA, the school board also acts as an institution with unique powers and jurisdiction geared towards the protection and development of the Inuit language, culture, and way of life, through the delivery of tailored educational services and programs. The education programs developed by the school board are offered in all schools of the 14 Nunavik communities, in Inuktitut as first language and in French and English as second languages. The school board operates 18 primary and secondary schools as well as 6 adult education centres and a pre-college facility. More information can be found at: www.kativik.qc.ca

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For information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Communications Coordinator, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
Cell: 514 797-8220 or 514 482-8220 ext. 309 | publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca

or

Marc Lalande
President-Treasurer
Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA)
(819) 661-5186

or

Beth Wabano
Communications Consultant, Cree School Board
Cell: (705) 221 1712 or (418) 923 2764 ext. 1412 | beth.wabano@cscree.qc.ca

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