Canadian Council on Learning | Conseil Canadien sur l'Apprentissage

Presented by Tracy Lavin, CCL Associate Research Scientist

The under-representation of Canadian Aboriginals in science and engineering puts at risk Canada’s ability to compete in a knowledge economy and its reputation as a society that strives for equality.

We begin by specifying the severity of this under-representation, relying on census data to measure the level of Aboriginal participation in science and engineering education and occupations. This view is enhanced with data on Aboriginal performance on standardized science tests. Culture clashes between Western science and Aboriginal world views are considered as possible reasons for this under-representation.

Recommendations include helping students cope with these culture clashes and incorporating traditional Aboriginal knowledge in science curricula.

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