The Importance of Indigenous People in STEM

Indigenous people were the first people of these lands to study the soil, the plants, the waters, the stars, and our animal relatives. Indigenous communities today are working to decolonize their lives and focus their priorities on reconnection with their ancestors, language, and communities that was once taken from them. We are taught in school about the Indigenous people through the lens and narrative of others that put us in the past and our diverse perspectives on life diluted or erased. Indigenous people are still here. And we represent the first scientists and engineers of this land. This session will help others relate to our Indigenous stories. And most importantly, it will help be a reminder to Indigenous people currently in STEM on why it is important to embrace our culture in our careers.