Miywasin Moment: Indigenous women forging new paths in STEM fields

By JOLYNN PARENTEAU on January 26, 2022.

“Only after the last tree has been cut down, the last river poisoned, the last fish caught, will we realize we cannot eat money.”

-Cree Prophecy

There is a new demographic on the rise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics academia. Collectively known as STEM, these fields of study and related professions have long been dominated by men. Recently however, more women – and Indigenous women – are enrolling in studies and entering the STEM workforce than ever before.

Medicine Hat’s Keziah Lesko-Gosselin, 27, is one of them.

The eldest of a blended family’s six children, Lesko-Gosselin sets the example for her younger siblings of the importance of education and striving for a career path that makes a difference. She studied environmental science at the University of Alberta before pursuing a masters of public health via distance learning from the University of Waterloo. Next month she moves into a new professional role monitoring environmental compliance and risk management of Medicine Hat’s infrastructure and large corporations.

“STEM and especially environmental science is cool because you can study on the micro atomic level all the way to macro ecosystem changes,” she explains. “In science, you can actively see changes, and you can be a part of those changes, too. It’s very dynamic and engaging.”

With a melting pot heritage of European and Turtle Island (Indigenous Canada) origins, Lesko-Gosselin’s maternal side is a mix of Ukrainian, German and French, and her father’s ancestry is French-Cree MÃ©tis. Her paternal grandmother grew up in the MÃ©tis settlement at Saratoga Park, and greatly influenced Lesko-Gosselin’s perception of a strong female role model.

“I really look up to Grandma Meme. She’s had many challenges but stayed positive through everything, and that’s something of value,” Lesko-Gosselin shares fondly. “What I’ve learned most from her is the importance of storytelling. How I’ve connected to and learned about my MÃ©tis culture has come from hearing stories of how she grew up.”

A family tree rooted in Saratoga Park fuels Lesko-Gosselin’s passion for working to preserve the environment. “I love the outdoors. There is inherent value in the environment; environmental health is linked to human health, and culture, too. I was drawn to environmental sciences because it is a way for me to connect with my heritage as well,” she says. “Historically, connections with nature are very important to Indigenous people. Caring for the environment is the only way we can help future generations to have a good quality of life.”

Lesko-Gosselin also serves as a board member for Bike Medicine Hat and writes a column in the News for the City of Medicine Hat’s parks and recreation department. Of course, both promote active transportation and an outdoor lifestyle that reduces a person’s carbon footprint.

“Writing has been a good creative outlet, and it’s helped me think of more ways that people and nature are interconnected,” she says.

Support for women in STEM continues to grow. The Government of Canada hosts a blog entitled, “Canadian STEM Femmes”, sharing women’s stories, career paths, successes and advice. Forty years ago, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology was founded as a not-for-profit to encourage and advance women and girls in STEM. Today, SCWIST highlights career options and promotes networking, skills-sharing, mentoring and inclusive workplaces.

“There are really good opportunities for more women and girls to get into STEM now. There are resources available to encourage people to learn more,” says Lesko-Gosselin. “I’ve been really fortunate with networking opportunities, great work experiences and really wonderful leaders.”

The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association recently sponsored STEM training attended by Miywasin Friendship Centre’s Carol Syrette and Carlee EaglePlume. The two women, who have Anishinaabe and Blackfoot heritage respectively, are now leading classes in Miywasin’s Youth Program.

“We took robotics training, and ANFCA sent us kits for the youth to learn about simple circuits and how electricity works,” shares EaglePlume. “We will be teaching them coding in the upcoming weeks and the youth are super into the program and have shown interest in the subject.”

Women in STEM are breaking down barriers for the next generation and changing the landscape of the field.

“There are always challenges that come along with being a woman in a workforce that’s typically occupied by men,” Lesko-Gosselin reflects. “But those challenges have helped me to become a better person and have helped me grow.

“Everybody has the opportunity to leave a positive impact on people and the environment that is meaningful, and I would encourage people to seek out those opportunities.”