The Electricity Sector Council (ESC) conducted an electricity-themed Bright Future Camp for Aboriginal youth July 12-16 at the Centre de plein air du lac Flavrian in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec.
The weeklong camp for girls and boys ages 10 to 13, was delivered by
the Elephant Thoughts national charity to “bring attention to the
opportunities for Aboriginal youth in the electricity and renewable
energy industry and the importance of taking math and sciences in
school,” says Michelle Branigan, interim executive director, ESC.
The kids learnt how electricity is generated through building solar
powered cars and wind generators. They took part in educational games
and workshops such as “making their hair stand up with electricity,
lighting a light bulb on their head, and making things float in mid
air,” says Melissa Brousseau, communications/administration officer,
Niskamoon Corporation.
The camp counselors helped them create electricity-powered toys and had
them participate in hands-on activities to show them how electricity
plays a major role in everyday life and the possibility of future
careers in that field.
The Bright Futures Camp, from the ESC and Elephant Thoughts, is also in
partnership with Niskamoon Corporation, Cree Human Resources
Development, Hydro Quebec, Engineers Canada, Canada Union of Public
Employees, Cree School Board and the Aboriginal Human Resource Council.
The camp is also a component of the SC Aboriginal Workface
Participation Initiative that focuses on the future of Aboriginal
peoples in the electricity and renewable energy workforce.
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