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IAMC-TMX Sponsors Interns through the I-STEAM Pathways Program

A New Chapter in Indigenous Inclusion and Environmental Stewardship 

At IAMC-TMX, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of diverse perspectives, especially regarding environmental protection and sustainable practices. We’re excited to announce a unique partnership with the University of Alberta’s I-STEAM Pathways program, sponsoring three Indigenous interns attending university, so they can participate in internship programs. This initiative is more than just an internship; it’s integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into opportunities for environmental stewardship. 

Collaborative Advantage: Indigenous Knowledge Meets Environmental Research 

The I-STEAM Pathways program empowers First Nations, Métis, and Inuit undergraduate students enrolled in any recognized post-secondary institution. It provides hands-on research experience and mentorship in environmental fields through the University of Alberta and its partner, the National Research Council of Canada. By sponsoring these interns, IAMC-TMX is investing in these students’ personal growth and enriching our communities with their unique insights and cultural knowledge. This blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental practices is crucial for developing holistic and sustainable solutions. 

The Interns’ Journey: Learning, Growing, and Contributing 

The program involved paid internships, allowing students to work on diverse projects such as mycorrhizal fungal communities and climate change, environmental chemistry and Indigenous communities, and recycling plastics and land restoration. It emphasized incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in environmental studies and provided students with hands-on experience in biology, technology, environmental engineering, policy, and law. 

The three interns, each with their distinct background and study area, were immersed in various projects and research in the environmental field. They worked under the mentorship of experienced professionals, gaining practical skills and contributing to environmental initiatives. This experience has enhanced their academic and professional journey and provided them with a platform to voice their perspectives and ideas. 

A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future 

This sponsorship is an example of IAMC-TMX’s commitment to increasing Indigenous expertise and involvement in the environmental sector. By integrating Indigenous communities’ knowledge and perspectives, we are acknowledging the importance of these voices and paving the way for a more inclusive and practical approach to environmental management and oversight. 

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Collaboration 

The collaboration between IAMC-TMX and the University of Alberta’s I-STEAM Pathways program is just the beginning. We are excited to see these interns’ impact on the areas where they’ll bring their studies and the broader community. We look forward to nurturing their talents, listening to their voices, and watching them grow into future leaders. 

As they embark on this journey, they are becoming valuable contributors to a sustainable future and agents of change in bridging Indigenous knowledge with contemporary environmental practices. It’s a unique opportunity for these Indigenous university students to explore career pathways and gain valuable research experience. Together, we move towards a future where inclusivity and sustainability are at the forefront of environmental stewardship and research. 

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Register now for our Regional Engagement Session in Edmonton, AB, on Jan. 27, 2026. This session is a chance to: • Connect with Nations in your region. • Share your community’s priorities. • Ask questions and guide how IAMC-TMX evolves after the 2025 Line Wide Gathering. Please register for the session closest to your community. Edmonton registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iamc-tmx-alberta-regional-engagement-session-tickets-1839012619249?aff=oddtdtcreator General Regional Engagement information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/LINEWIDE2025/regionals

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Register now for our Regional Engagement Session in Chilliwack, BC, on Jan.16, 2026. This session is a chance to: • Connect with Nations in your region. • Share your community’s priorities. • Ask questions and guide how IAMC-TMX evolves after the 2025 Line Wide Gathering. Please register for the session closest to your community. Chilliwack registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iamc-tmx-bc-lower-mainlandfraser-regional-engagement-session-tickets-1838807375359?aff=oddtdtcreator General Regional Engagement information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/LINEWIDE2025/regionals

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Today, we pause to honour and remember. December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. This day reminds us of the urgent need to end gender-based violence in all its forms. For the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC), this commitment is deeply connected to our work. We advocate for the safety, security, and economic well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the context of resource development. Our efforts include: • Advancing Action Plan Measure 12 (APM 12) under the UNDRIP Act to protect Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in infrastructure projects. • Promoting wise practices for community safety and oversight. • Integrating a gendered lens (IGBA+) into emergency management and regulatory frameworks. • Supporting Indigenous-led monitoring and decision-making to address socioeconomic impacts. Violence against women is both a personal tragedy and a systemic issue that intersects with resource development, economic security, and community wellness. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

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Today, we pause to honour and remember. December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. This day reminds us of the urgent need to end gender-based violence in all its forms. For the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC), this commitment is deeply connected to our work. We advocate for the safety, security, and economic well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the context of resource development. Our efforts include: ● Advancing Action Plan Measure 12 (APM 12) under the UNDRIP Act to protect Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in infrastructure projects. ● Promoting wise practices for community safety and oversight. ● Integrating a gendered lens (IGBA+) into emergency management and regulatory frameworks. ● Supporting Indigenous-led monitoring and decision-making to address socioeconomic impacts. Violence against women is both a personal tragedy and a systemic issue that intersects with resource development, economic security, and community wellness. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

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The socioeconomic subcommittee gathering has come to a close. We ended in a circle, a powerful way to honour the relationships, knowledge and shared purpose of keeping people and communities safer. We are grateful to everyone who shared their voice and energy. Thank you, Mo, for creating the beautiful illustration that captured the knowledge and brilliance from the gathering and participants! A huge thank you to the facilitators, Marcia Turner, Tracy Friedel and many more who made this gathering a success!! Safe travels, everyone.

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Grateful to Christie Charles from the Musqueam Indian Band for welcoming us to your territory and for the beautiful stories and song. Thank you to the Elders Violet and Michael Meguinis from Tsuutina for the circle of prayers, lighting a candle and smudge for all Missing and Murdered Indigenous folks. This morning’s session, we learned about socioeconomic transportation Inequities for Indigenous folks in rural and remote areas with Dr. Tiffany Prete. She talked about how unsafe and unreliable transportation creates real harm, isolating families, limiting access to health care and education, and increasing the risk of violence. Then, we mapped some of the causes of these inequities. Colonial barriers are still here. This afternoon, we discussed the Federal government's Building Canada Act to fast-track and streamline major projects and how we can be ready to promote safety and economy in our Nations.

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As discussions continue at the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering, participants have surfaced critical priorities and reflections shaping the dialogue: ● Lack of access to affordable housing and risk of homelessness ● Sex trafficking linked to work camps and non-local workers ● Mental stresses and depression connected to suicide ● Double burden of gender and racialized discrimination ● Heightened drug trade activity A powerful conversation developed about the 550 missing and murdered males in Alberta. We must stop excluding them from these discussions. Violence and vulnerability affect Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and men, and addressing these realities requires inclusive, systemic solutions. These insights reinforce the need to embed safety, security, and wellness into project planning from the outset through Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Plus (IGBA+), and community- and Indigenous-led oversight.

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A huge shoutout to Mo Dawson, the talented graphic artist who is capturing the heart of our conversations at the SESC Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering. Mo’s visual storytelling is bringing complex discussions to life; turning priorities, reflections, and ideas into powerful images that speak louder than words. It’s a beautiful way to honour the voices in the room and ensure these insights resonate long after the gathering ends. Thank you, Mo, for your incredible work and creativity! https://www.modawsoncreative.com/

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Today and tomorrow (December 4–5, 2025), the IAMC‑TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) is hosting the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People in the Context of the Building Canada Act, 2025 on Musqueam xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory (Richmond, BC). This two‑day gathering brings together Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, and partners to focus on the safety, security (including economic security), and wellness of Indigenous women, girls, two‑spirit and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. We’ll explore what Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) means in the context of accelerated and streamlined infrastructure and resource development stemming from the Building Canada Act, 2025, share wise practices for community safety and oversight, and recognize the importance of Indigenous involvement in condition‑setting and monitoring. The gathering features a range of speakers and engagement activities to surface priorities for future action and research.

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