Dawn Pratt, Chemist and Entrepreneur
Tansi! Anin!
Dawn Pratt is a member of the Muscowpetung Anihšināpēk Nation. With varied experience in science education and an indomitable spirit, she has forged a professional consultancy company, askenootow STEM Enterprise, as an Indigenous STEM Educational expert for the past 20 years (STEM = science, technology, engineering, and math). Dawn earned a Master of Science degree with a specialization in the design of organic adsorbent materials directed toward the removal of arsenic from contaminated water (University of Saskatchewan, 2011).
Dawn is fundamentally driven to reinstate Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper teachings into STEM education for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples’ futures. She seeks to amplify Indigenous STEM role models and Indigenized STEM content by transforming instructional practices and curricula in ways that embrace Indigenous cultural, linguistic, and land-based traditions and resources.
She remembers the moment her career calling took shape; in grade 4, her parents bought her a chemistry kit. Since then, she has pursued her passion for understanding the chemical world and sharing the joys of scientific discovery with children, youth, and adults. As part of realizing her passions, she is deeply dedicated to raising her two daughters to approach the world with a curiosity for STEM, replete with confidence in the Indigenous heritage she too derived from her family.
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