Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Matthew Hamilton, I am a grade 10 student on SAC at Chippewa Secondary School who is attending Shad this summer at the University of Western Ontario. My ancestry is Algonquin, but I have spent much of my life on n’Dakimenan, homeland of Temagami First Nation and feel a deep connection to the land and its people. I also enjoy working out and spending time with friends.

Q: Why do you want to participate in the Shad program/ What are you most looking forward to?

 I want to participate in the Shad program to expand my critical thinking skills and open-mindedness, as these skills are important in the IB program, which I am also enrolled in next year. In addition, I’ve heard Shad brings many opportunities to have engaging experiences/conversations with people from all over the country. This interests me since I am looking to expand my knowledge as well as social network.

Q: What motivates or sparks your curiosity in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?   

I have found that I am interested in STEAM as well as entrepreneurship because they both involve intricate systems that must be mastered to excel in them. I have found that I enjoy working to understand these complex topics, and also have a natural aptitude for it. Furthermore, I believe increasing my abilities in these fields helps with other activities in everyday life, as it develops problem-solving capabilities.

Q: How do you envision your future?

I envision my future as one that, while filled with much success, also acknowledges the next steps to further my abilities. I do not know what career I want to pursue yet, but as someone interested in STEAM who is also very ambitious, I can envision myself constantly working to achieve the next goal in my career/life.

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Want to meet the other Indigenous Scholars? Read their stories