Meet Andre!

Andre O'Bonsawin

National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM)

Actua

Biography

Iam Abenaki, a member of the Odanak First Nation. Originally from Sudbury now residing with my family in Ottawa. 
 
I have joined Actua as the Director for the National InSTEM (Indigenous youth in STEM) program. Actua is a a national charitable organization delivering STEM education to over 35,000 Indigenous youth annually. I have a strong understanding of supporting Indigenous youth in STEM extends from his previous employment at Algonquin College, Ottawa located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Peoples. 
 
Previously the Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Algonquin College, my role was to lead Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship enhanced by Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate a sense of safe space for Indigenous learners within the College community and increase Indigenous outreach, access and engagement with Indigenous communities to support Indigenous learners in their journey (i.e., transition, progression, graduation and advancement, and re-engagement). I have designed and developed mentorship, entrepreneurship and leadership programs to help empower Indigenous learners.  I collaborated on many processes and initiatives with the College’s Leadership Teams in respect to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action that benefited all college learners and employees and served on the Board of Governors for the College (2020-2022) 
 
An award winning leader. Northern Ontario’s Top 40 Under Forty. The Chris Warburton Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution to student life at Algonquin College. Colleges and Institutions Canada – Indigenous Education Excellence Awards for multiple strategic initiatives supporting Indigenous learners and communities. 

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