A long-standing collaboration between the University of Waterloo’s Earth Sciences Museum and the Earth and Environmental Sciences department involves a trip to Northern Ontario to the Whitefish River First Nations land. Among them was Liam Blaquiere, who shared his love for science with elementary students from JK to grade six at the Shawanosowe School.
“My time at Whitefish River First Nations was truly unforgettable. A highlight of the trip was participating in their morning smudging ceremony—an experience I will always remember,” says Liam. “The students were eager to learn about the formation of fossils and the processes by which mountains erode into sand and I enjoyed answering their questions. This experience has influenced my approach to academics and is something I will always treasure.”
Since 2017, the Earth and Environmental Sciences department has sent a select number of students from the Earth 390 course to the Shawanosowe School to be immersed in a practical learning experience by teaching others. The department shows gratitude for the privilege to access this land by donating their time and educational resources to the Whitefish River First Nations community.
The Earth Sciences Museum offers a variety of programs for audiences of all ages. If you would like to book a program, read the descriptions online and fill out the form to express your interest!
Dept of Earth & Environmental Sciences
Centre for Environmental and Information Technology (EIT)
200 University Ave. W
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567
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Faculty and Staff Intranet
Affiliations
Earth Sciences Museum
Peter Russell Rock Garden
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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.