Biography:

Alex Veinot is originally from Middleton, Nova Scotia and is a member of the Mi’kmaq community Glooscap First Nation. Alex completed his BScH (2015) at Acadia University with Prof. Bobby Ellis before moving to Saint Mary’s University to complete his MSc (2017) with Prof. Jason Masuda. Looking to broaden his research background, Alex then moved to Queen’s University to complete his PhD (2022) with Prof. Cathleen Crudden as a Vanier Scholar. Currently, Alex is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow in the Ragogna group at Western University. His research background spans main group, organic, and surface chemistry, 2D and 3D self-assembly, and N-heterocyclic carbenes. Alex has contributed to Indigenous academics and representation in science through numerous invited conference and seminar presentations, panel discussions, and has promoted equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) more broadly by assisting with the formation of the Queen’s local CWIC chapter QC-IDEAS, and serving on CSC WIDE.

Abstract:

Results from the 2016 Statistics Canada Census indicate that Canada remains a leader in education among developed countries. On average, 86 % of Canadians aged 24-65 obtain a high-school diploma or higher and 28.5 % hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. However, In the same age category just 65 % of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) hold a high-school credentials and only 10 % have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Although Indigenous peoples are clearly underrepresented in higher education, the Atlantic region has made great efforts to address the barriers faced by Indigenous scholars. The results speak for themselves. Atlantic Canada has the highest percentage of Indigenous students attending university across Canada, and Nova Scotia ranks first in the country for
Indigenous education with a high-school completion rate of 87 %. In Nova Scotia, 17 % of Indigenous students obtain at least a Bachelor’s degree, much higher than the national average. Significant investments in education and collaboration between the numerous Indigenous communities (13) and public universities (10) are contributing factors to Nova Scotia’s success in advancing Indigenous scholarship.

The Mi'kmaq are a First Nations people that are indigenous to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, parts of Québec, and northeastern regions of Maine (traditionally named Miꞌkmaꞌki). For the Mi’kmaq, the art of storytelling was essential to share information and to learn. As a Mi’kmaw and first-generation university student from rural Nova Scotia, I will share my story and journey with chemistry, and some of the notable lessons gained along the way.