Asiya I.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing that I learned when exploring this topic is how space exploration is affecting Indigenous people and their way of life.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

First, Canada played a big role in the Space Race and did not get enough recognition for it. Canadian researchers and engineers developed multiple artificial satellites, sounding rockets, and other technologies that were sent to space. Second, there wasn't a lot of diversity in the space industry. If there were any women or people of colour, they did not get enough credit for their work. Third, the technologies that were launched into space affected the environment. Rocket garbage fell on the land and polluted the Earth. Fourth, the technologies that were launched into space changed the lives of Indigenous people.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The world has started a new Space Race with great powers (Russia, China, and the NATO block) competing to land on Mars, explore the Moon, and conquer the near-Earth space (with satellites; Space Link). Issues with diversity and the representation of science and diversity persist. Indigenous people's way of life and their needs are still not considered enough.