For our final research assignment, Kathryn, Sara and I have decided to look at the relationship of technology and STEAM learning and Indigenous girls. We were drawn to focus our research on girls because of the unique differences they have in learning compared to boys as well as the fact that Indigenous girls, already from a marginalized community, are even more vulnerable as they face gender bias and stereotypes in a male-dominated technology industry. In our research of current programs and initiatives in place, we found “Native Girls that Code” . The goals of this program are:
- Build leadership of women and the capacity of women-led projects and organizations
- Build the capacity of our youth to develop strong identities through Indigenous knowledge and stronger supports for their education
- Advance the preservation and revitalization of traditional Native knowledge through environmental justice programming that focuses on following the original teachings of Mother Earth
This program has found a way to incorporate STEAM learning with place-based learning that connects the girls with the land around them.
The success of this program but shows the promise and capability of integration between Indigenous girls and technology and could pose as a model for other similar programs.