Mining Matters
Indigenous Programs
Mining Matters travels to communities across Canada to deliver a range of tailored programs related to Earth science and the mining and minerals sectors. With sensitivity to the importance Indigenous communities play in resources stewardship, management and development, the programs offer teacher workshops, camp and school programs and community engagement events. The programs are designed to raise awareness of the importance of education and the diverse career opportunities available.
The Indigenous Communities Education and Outreach Programs are comprised of:
- Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs in a camp or school setting
- Professional development workshops for teachers in Indigenous communities
- Public outreach during community events, career fairs and major conferences and festivals
About Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs
Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs provide an exciting educational experience in a camp or classroom setting, tailored to the audience and unique needs of the community. Frequently, participants engage with industry professionals which can also include mine and exploration site visits.
Each program is specially tailored to fit the identified needs of each community. Several key objectives guide the development and delivery of our programs:
- To enhance knowledge of the practical applications of Earth science particularly relating to geology, geochemistry and the modern mining cycle
- To provide information about the diverse career opportunities within the mining industry
- To connect participants with industry professionals
- To offer unique and engaging science and technology experiences in settings beyond the classroom
Program Design
Mining Matters works with community, government, and corporate partners to support.
Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs. Whether as a summer camp or incorporated into the students’ school day, the program provides an exciting educational experience that takes learning to the next level!
The Mining Rocks programs typically last between three to five days, and are tailored to meet the learning requirements, logistical needs, and expectations of the community, attendees, and sponsors. When possible, we will also host a special two-hour Community Engagement Event, open to all members of the community.
Industry Engagement and Field Trips
Mining Matters is dedicated to creating a space and place for industry engagement with participants to illustrate experiences with the company and in the field. These visiting professionals often come from the sponsoring company of the program, but may also include outside experts such as government representatives and/or other industry representatives.
When opportunities such as project-site or field visits are available, they are incorporated and are often led by experienced industry professionals. Safety and proper safety procedures are imperative topics covered and practiced during these excursions.
Curriculum
Below is a breakdown of the general areas of focus and their related topics during a typical program:
Geosciences
- Structure of the Earth
- Plate Tectonics
- Rock cycle
- Rock identification
- Mineral identification
- Crystal forms
- Geologic time
- Fossils
- Maps and surveying
Exploration
- Local geology
- Compass and GPS intro
- Simulated exploration mapping
- Cross-sections
- Geo physics
- Prospecting
- Claim staking
- Diamond drilling
Dev & Ops
- Development
- Operations
- Surface and underground mining
- Economics/ commodities
- Skilled trades
- Mineral separation - Processing
- Health and safety
Reclamation
- Environment
- Hydrologic cycle
- Water sampling and testing
- Soil sampling and testing
- Geochemistry
- Biodiversity
- Basic reclamation principles
Careers
- MiHR Explore for More
- Mining New Opportunities
- AHRC Guiding Circles
- Mining your potential
- Mining information kit
- Educational choices
About Outreach in Indigenous Communities
Mining Matters connects to Indigenous communities by attending, participating and presenting at relevant conferences, community events and festivals across Canada. Many of our Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs include a community event with amethyst jewelry making and soapstone carving.
Mining Rocks Earth Science Programs - Community Engagement Events
Mining Matters strives to reach not only the participants of a Mining Rocks Earth Science Program but the entire community. To facilitate this, a Community Engagement Event is offered to the community to be held during the program. All community members are invited and encouraged to attend.
During these community-specific events, several Mining Rocks Earth Science Program activities are showcased for everyone to try, while participants’ work is displayed and materials about the minerals industry and careers is available for those who are interested.
Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to partake and share their knowledge of the local geology in their region. In addition to the activities there is often a special soapstone carving session and amethyst jewelry making session, where attendees express their creativity in limitless designs.
Workshops for Educators in Indigenous Communities
Mining Matters works to give educators of Indigenous youth curricula aligned tools to develop their students’ knowledge of the minerals industry and highlight the diverse job opportunities available. Workshops occur over a two-hour period, where attendees are introduced to the content of the resource kits and given suggestions on how to incorporate the materials into the classroom. Resource kits contain lesson plans, information bulletins, learning activities, rock and mineral samples, equipment, career information and additional resources.
Within the communities these workshops are open to teachers, educator assistants, all school staff, community leadership and community members. As facilitators are required to travel to remote locations, time permitting, classroom delivery may be held to augment the teachers’ understanding and usage of the resource materials.
Source: https://miningmatters.ca/aboriginal-programs
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