Skip to content

Native Americans making an impact through STEM

November is Native American Heritage Month and SME is proud to recognize indigenous people within manufacturing. There are many Native Americans within STEM who have contributed to the development and implementation of next-generation advanced manufacturing technologies. We celebrate the contributions Native Americans have made through careers in STEM and we continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the manufacturing community.

Recognizing indigenous pioneers within STEM

/

Organizations Supporting and Empowering Native Americans

AISES Logo

AISES

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers.

SACNAS

SACNAS

The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science is a society that aims to further the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American students in obtaining advanced degrees, careers, leadership positions, and equality in the STEM field.

NADC

NADC

The Native American Development Corporation is a hub for American Indian businesses and provides technical assistance, financial lending opportunities, and champions small businesses and tribes in order to empower Indian communities toward economic and social stability.

Increasing the Representation of Indigenous People

Published five times a year in print and digital formats by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Winds of Change magazine has a focus on career and educational advancement for native people in STEM.
Learn MoreWinds of Change
native-americans-kayaks

10 Native American Inventions Commonly Used Today

Native American engineering is all around us. From kayaks to contraceptives to pain relievers, Native Americans developed key innovations long before Columbus reached the Americas.
Native American Heritage Month

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with SWE

In 2020, the Society of Women Engineers had a conversation with Laura Smith-Velazquez to discuss the importance of Native American Heritage Month. Smith-Velazquez is an SWE Member, SWE Native-American Affinity Group lead, and winner of the 2020 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Technical Excellence Award. Learn about her experience as a minority engineer and the importance of diversity and inclusion within STEM careers.
STEM activity

AISES: Building a STEM Pathway for Native Students

The option to pursue a career in STEM should be available to all students. Kathy DeerInWater, Chief Program Officer for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society discusses the importance of increasing STEM access for Native American students.

Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is Important

The SME Education Foundation’s renewed and focused commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) provides increased opportunities to underrepresented and disadvantaged communities across the country.