For Immediate Release:
July 11, 2019
Indigenous-led STEM Robotics Team in Treaty 7 Territory to Attend Global
Competition in Dubai in October 2019
The Team Canada Gearheads, in partnership with IndigeSTEAM,
have been invited to compete in the First Global Robotics Challenge in Dubai,
UAE in October, 2019 and are seeking sponsors to cover costs to attend. This
team is comprised of over 50% Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) youth
living in Treaty 7 territory, based in Calgary, Alberta, and ranges from the
ages of 12 – 16. Our two lead mentors, Logan Arcilla and Deanna Burgart are
from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 and reside in Treaty 7 territory. They are
passionate about supporting Indigenous youth in STEM and hope to lead this team
towards global exposure and experience. Sponsorship dollars will cover team
registration costs, travel, airfare, accommodation, meals expenses and
transportation for youth and parents.
The Gearheads formed in 2016 to learn more about robotics,
STEM and programming and have managed to build a strong team that has
participated in 6 competitions since it’s inception. They received the highest
score in the 2019 competition in Edmonton AB. Participating in the team also
gives the youth communication, planning, creativity, marketing and leadership
skills.
“ Being involved with First Robotics teaches us challenges
our communities and planet face today. This year’s competition is Ocean
Opportunities with the goal to clean the ocean. Canada is surrounded by three
oceans and has the largest coastline in the world. First Robotics allows us to
aspire to make a difference in our future, becoming engineers, professors,
doctors and astronauts. We have the power to choose to make an impact.
”
-Quentin Norris, Age 12, Métis
The team has a lofty goal of $50 000 to raise in the next
few months and is seeking all support possible! Please consider sponsoring this
once in a lifetime opportunity and share with your network. There will be
smaller fundraising campaigns, events and silent auctions planned as well. If
you can donate a silent auction item please email [email protected]
or [email protected]
with
IndigeSTEAM Silent Auction in the subject line.
For more information or media inquiries please contact:
