Internships

WaYS internships offer Wabanaki youth a unique opportunity to explore careers in science through hands-on learning grounded in both Wabanaki culture and Western science. Our multi-faceted approach helps students grow their skills, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their cultural connections.

A key feature of the internship is the collaboration between a Wabanaki Cultural Knowledge Sharer (CKS) and a natural resource professional. These mentors work with students to explore environmental issues through two powerful lenses:

These mentors may be the same person or work as a team. Interns engage directly with natural resource professionals on Wabanaki homelands—past and present—where learning is rooted in real-world experiences.

Cultural teachings are shared in ways that match each intern’s interests. For example, students focused on fisheries might explore Wabanaki relationships with water and fish alongside contemporary fisheries science. Other interns may engage in broader environmental discussions.

What matters most is weaving both knowledge systems together—helping students see how Indigenous Knowledge and Western science are deeply interconnected.

Interns attend our Seasonal Earth Camps, where land-based learning takes place. Earth Camp is a vibrant space for exploring science through Wabanaki cultural practices, stories, and relationships with the land.

Throughout the internship, students can participate in additional workshops and presentations focused on Wabanaki cultural knowledge. These are held in various locations and deepen learning beyond fieldwork.

Together, these experiences give interns valuable skills, confidence, and cultural grounding. Whether it’s through fieldwork, Earth Camp, or workshops, students are encouraged to take full advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.