News & announcements.

The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Teassa MacMartin as Program Director.

Teassa MacMartin is an Indigenous woman and mother, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and a proud member of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation on Treaty 1 Territory. She brings to VJKF a strong academic background, deep research expertise, and a long-standing commitment to Indigenous outreach and mentorship in the sciences.

Teassa completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba in 2020. During her undergraduate studies she developed a strong interest in research related to water quality in First Nations communities, working with Dr. Karen Brassinga in the Department of Microbiology. She continued this work as a research assistant and later as a graduate student, and is currently completing her PhD in Microbiology. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and has authored numerous publications.

Alongside her academic work, Teassa has consistently prioritized outreach and mentorship focused on increasing Indigenous participation in science — through the VJKF Program, term-based mentorship and presentations within the Science Co-op program, hiring and training students for the Indigenous Summer Student Internship program, and working with Wawatay within the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba.

“Teassa brings a rare combination of academic excellence, lived experience, and deep commitment to Indigenous student success. Her research background, mentorship experience, and passion for outreach align strongly with VJKF’s mission, and we are excited to welcome her into this unique role.”Neil Chowdhury, Executive Director

Through her work, Teassa strives to build meaningful connections with young Indigenous students by learning from their experiences and sharing her own academic journey. By fostering potential and building confidence, she is committed to encouraging Indigenous youth to pursue post-secondary education in science and research.

The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Chowdhury as Executive Director. Neil assumed the role in October 2025.

Neil has been involved with VJKF since 2019, beginning as a summer student and continuing to contribute to the Foundation in various capacities over the years. Throughout his tenure he has worked closely with the organization and its Board of Directors, bringing expertise in technology, communications, and operations. His institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to VJKF’s mission have made him a trusted and respected member of the Foundation community.

Neil is deeply committed to advancing VJKF’s goal of increasing the number of Indigenous students graduating from post-secondary programs in pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics across Canada.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation honours the survivors of residential schools, their families, and the many Indigenous communities that continue to heal from the trauma of this dark chapter in Canadian history.

We acknowledge the painful legacy of the residential school system, which sought to erase Indigenous cultures, languages, and identities. The impact of these institutions is still deeply felt across generations, and the journey toward healing and reconciliation is ongoing. As an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous students through education, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across the country.

VJKF is committed to being part of the solution. We believe in the power of education to uplift, empower, and restore the dignity that was stripped from so many Indigenous children in the past. Through our programs we aim to provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to reclaim their identities, excel in STEM fields, and become the leaders who will help shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.

On this day of reflection and remembrance, we encourage everyone to listen, learn, and take meaningful action toward reconciliation. We must not forget the history that has brought us here, and we must continue to work toward a future where Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

Governor General Mary Simon has granted Viceregal Patronage to the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation. Her Excellency and the Foundation have a history of serving and supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and look forward to building this new relationship on their mission ahead.

“It’s an honour that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon has accepted to become a Patron of the Foundation. Being Indigenous, she will provide considerable motivation to our students who view her as a role model of distinction. We look forward to supporting Her Excellency with her ongoing priorities and work with Indigenous Peoples through our work at VJKF.”Dr. Verna J. Kirkness

The Governor General plays an important part in promoting Canadian identity and values, including diversity, inclusion, and culture. The Foundation’s work with Indigenous youth and education in the sciences aligns with Her Excellency’s priorities in reconciliation, youth and education, climate change, and protection of the natural world.

On the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc near the Kamloops Indian Residential School, where unmarked graves were found in June 2021, VJKF Board Chair Tony Williams announced the termination of the relationship between the Foundation and the Sisters of Saint Ann by returning a $500,000 endowment donation.

The VJKF Board found it impossible to maintain a relationship with the SSA after learning of their direct involvement in running the Kamloops Indian Residential School and other residential and day schools. The Board was disturbed to learn this and arranged a meeting with the SSA.

It is the Foundation’s belief that the SSA have not taken responsibility or apologized for their role in residential schools and the harm done to Indigenous children and their families. Their actions are irreconcilable with the values and mission of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation.

The Board hears the Survivors and finds the stories of the abuse that happened to them as children at Indian Residential Schools — in Kamloops, Kuper Island, and elsewhere — to be true. Many children did not survive, which is direct evidence of the conditions they were subjected to. The purpose of our Foundation is directly related to correcting the harms caused to Indigenous children by those schools and the organizations in charge of them.

The Board no longer felt it appropriate to retain a gift from a branch of the Catholic Church while agreed compensation from the Church to Survivors remained unpaid. We strongly urge the SSA to use any funds they may have to honour previous commitments to directly benefit Survivors.

As an organization focused on supporting Indigenous students, we want to show our complete and unwavering support for the Survivors and victims of Indian Residential Schools.