Last week we celebrated the medals our youth brought home from the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Today, we want to share the context that makes their achievement even more remarkable.

A first since 2006

For the first time since Quebec Indigenous students began participating in the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2006, all four Quebec Indigenous participants have returned home with medals. And for the first time ever, one of those medals was gold.

That gold medal belongs to Aiden-James Einish.

“Seeing these young people succeed and proudly showcase their knowledge and culture is a source of immense pride for us,” said Martine Couture, regional coordinator for the Canada-Wide Science Fair’s Indigenous Quebec region. “This year will go down in our history. For the first time, all of our participants are returning with medals, and one of them has won a gold medal. This is a first since we began at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2006.”

Gold and more than $14,000 in scholarships

Aiden-James’s project, Labrador Tea Polyphenols: Surviving Digestion to Protect Proteins in Arthritis, looks at the potential of flavonoids found in Labrador tea to ease the effects of arthritis. His research suggests certain natural compounds may act in ways comparable to existing treatments to relieve pain.

The gold medal came with more than $14,000 in scholarships.

A young scientist already on the international stage

This is not Aiden-James’s first time representing on a national or international stage. In 2025, he represented Canada at the MILSET International Science Fair in Abu Dhabi.

Thanks to his teacher, Shaveta Sharma

Aiden-James’s science teacher at Jimmy Sandy Memorial School, Shaveta Sharma, has played a quiet but essential role in his journey. Outside of her regular teaching hours, Ms. Sharma works with students at the school to help them carry out their science research projects. In recent years, she has mentored several students through regional, national, and international science fairs.

The 2026 Quebec Indigenous team

  • Aiden-James Einish (Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach), gold medal, Labrador Tea Polyphenols: Surviving Digestion to Protect Proteins in Arthritis
  • Ashton André Gauthier and Molly Whelan (Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach), bronze medal, From Forest to Brain: Tamarack Bark in Alzheimer’s Research
  • Henry Grimstead (Cree Nation of Chisasibi), bronze medal, Long, Long Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Congratulations to all four young scientists, their families, and the teachers and mentors who supported them through their work.

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