Indigenous STEM Working Group

silhouettes of two people in tradition Native American clothing in front of a dramatic sky

Coalition for Indigenous STEM

Indigenous Knowledge in the Classroom

The Indigenous STEM Working Group is a collective of STEM educators who are interested in incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into their “traditional” STEM courses. The goal is for members to infuse Indigenous ways of knowing into their regularly taught core curricula, broadening “what counts” as knowledge in their STEM disciplines.

Over the summer, group members participate in a place-based Tribal Community Workshop and an institute at UM. This year, both will be facilitated by Blackfeet elder and educator Leo Bird. During the school year, the group meets monthly to discuss their efforts to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into their classes and to engage in continued professional development.

Commitment to the Indigenous STEM Working Group Requires:

Must be a instructor of record for a STEM course.
Attendance at the Tribal Community Workshop from Thursday, May 15 to Saturday, May 17, 2025 (no cost to the instructor; all expenses are paid by CIS).
Attendance at the Summer Institute at UM from Tuesday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Monthly meetings during the fall and spring semesters.
Concerted effort to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into STEM courses.
Intention to commit to the Indigenous STEM Working Group for at least two years.

Participation in the Working Group Includes:

A stipend of $3,000 per year:
- $1,000 for summer participation.
- $1,000 for each semester of participation.