Sanikiluaq student chosen to attend national science camp

KIRSTEN MURPHY

A Sanikiluaq teen with a promising future in science was chosen to attend the First Nations national science camp in Edmonton, May 25 to June 1.

Sarah Uppik, 16, packed her bags for a week of experiments, lectures and field trips in Alberta. She is one of 55 Canadian aboriginal students participating in the inaugural gathering.

Jody Soehner, a teacher at Nuiyak school, selected Uppik because of her dedication and interest in biology.

“She never misses class, always does her homework and works well independently,” Soehner said.

Uppik almost didn’t attend the camp because of the prohibitive airfare to Montreal from Sanikiluaq. However, Air Inuit donated the airfare. The remaining travel and accommodation costs were paid by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the agency sponsoring the camp.

After visiting the Edmonton Space and Science Centre, the students were scheduled to meet with aboriginal university students registered in medicine and dentistry at the University of Alberta.

“I’m kinda nervous,” said the soft-spoken teen days before leaving.

Uppik’s connection to biology and dissection goes back to camping and hunting with her family, she said.

The First Nations national science camp is designed to inspire aboriginal youth to work toward careers in science. Organizers hope the camp becomes an annual event.