Brewing knowledge: A Naskapi high school student's journey with Labrador Tea

Aiden-James Einish, a teenager from the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach in northern Quebec with a passion for science and cultural knowledge, has turned a traditional medicine into an award-winning research project on Arthritis that's captured national and international attention.

Aiden's journey began at the Quebec Indigenous Science Fair in 2023. He then participated in the 2024 edition where he won second place in his category for "Arthritis: Causes, Treatment and Prevention." It's at the 2025 edition that everything shifted. He won first place in the Secondary 2 and 3 category for his project "Boiling for Relief: Labrador Tea's Anti-Inflammatory Power in Arthritis Management." This victory opened him the door to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in June 2025 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where Aiden earned three scholarships and a bronze medal.

His success didn't stop there. Aiden was selected to represent Canada with 35 other students at the MILSET Science Fair in Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, presenting his research on a global stage and connecting with youth from around the world. "Meeting other students and sharing my culture was unforgettable," Aiden said, recalling highlights like visiting the F1 track and participating in collaborative workshops.

At the heart of Aiden's project is Labrador tea, a plant used for generations to treat disease like headaches, colds, and arthritis. Through scientific experimentation, Aiden discovered that boiling the tea long enough increases its concentration of flavonoids, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Aiden's project demonstrated that both flavonoids and arthritis-managing drugs work similarly in the human body, inhibiting pain. Therefore, consuming tea accurately could potentially replace chemically synthesized drugs in arthritis patients, making this study significant.

"Labrador tea has always been part of my life, I drink it now and then and when I'm sick my mother gives me some," Aiden explained. "I wanted to understand why it works and share that knowledge with others."

His research bridges traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern science, demonstrating how cultural practices can inform and enrich global health solutions. Aiden's school cultural classes, which include harvesting Labrador tea leaves in the woods, have further inspired him to explore other natural medicines in future projects.

Aiden's experiences at science fairs have shaped his academic goals. Inspired by the university campus experience in Fredericton and the encouragement of his teacher and community, Aiden now dreams of becoming a pharmacist and contributing to Indigenous health care.

"I hope my story shows other youth that science can be a way to honour our traditions," Aiden said. "There's so much wisdom in our plants and practices, we just need to explore it."

Aiden's story shows the power of curiosity, culture, and community. It reminds us that when youth are supported to pursue science, they not only achieve personal success, they help shape a healthier future for all.