Partners in Community

Partnering in Community

Our Partnering in Community program started out as the vision of Rob Cardinal and was called First Light Initiative.

First Light Initiative was a project founded by Rob Cardinal, astrophysicist and member of the Siksika First Nations, formerly Senior Systems Designer at Spectrum Optix Inc. and currently scientist with Siksika Board of Education. The fundamental vision of the First Light Initiative is that Aboriginal youth of all ages are exposed to telescopes, astronomy, and the wonders that fill the sky, invigorating their desire to learn, and to engage and explore with science and technology, while also learning their cultural traditions and Indigenous knowledge about the sky. The Initiative seeks to promote and enhance the education of thoughtful, inspired, and engaged youth who can create and innovate for the preservation, advancement, and health of their community.