Guest blog by Julien Commanda, a member of the Anishinaabe people, currently studying at Carleton University in Communications and Media.

When I was invited by the Federation to attend the Canadian Science Policy Conference and write about my experience and thoughts, I found it rather intriguing. For me, "science" meant what they call "hard science" (e.g. Math, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences), which came in contrast to my Social Sciences background and particular interest in Indigenous Studies. As a young Anishinaabe man, the interest in Indigenous Studies did not happen by accident ― it is a field that allowed me to learn a lot about myself and to tap into my intellectual curiosities and passion. Once I read about the conference and got a glimpse into its program, I began to understand that "science policy" is actually inclusive of all sciences,...