Open Collective
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THIS FRIDAY! Natives in Tech Conference 2024
Published on November 4, 2024 by Desiree Acosta

Michuksüs, and hello again!

Your generous support is truly bringing the Natives In Tech Conference 2024 to life. We’re thrilled to share this year’s lineup of transformative, Indigenous-led tech sessions—all made possible by YOU! 🙌 Thanks to your contributions, this virtual event remains a free and accessible gathering featuring Native technologists with a desire to share projects, spark ideas, and celebrate the achievements of many Indigenous communities.

Click here to get it on your calendar for THIS FRIDAY!: http://bit.ly/NITConf2024

Here’s what’s in store for November 8:

🕙 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Opening Words
Kick off with a warm welcome from our Board of Directors as we set the tone for a day of connection, learning, and growth. Let’s come together to share knowledge and celebrate Native innovation.

🕙 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Collective Knowledge & Mutual Support: Indigenous Healing Frameworks and Tech
Explore the intersection of Indigenous healing frameworks and technology, creating spaces for resilience and support within our communities.

🕙 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Adobe Indigenous First Nations Network | Digital Storytelling Session
Led by Brian Johnsrud, Executive Chair of IFNA, this session, themed “Let’s Belong Together: Harvesting Heritage,” features IFNA members Yanavah Jones, Jaclyn Robinson, Natalie Contreras, and Brandon Hartness sharing personal stories that celebrate heritage and culture in the digital age.

🕙 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Strengthening the Circle - Native Nonprofit Leadership Program
Join Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer, Executive Director of Hopa Mountain, as she shares how Strengthening the Circle empowers Native-led nonprofits, focusing on collaboration to enhance economic development and social services.

🕙 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
Lightning Talk Presentations
These short, impactful talks will cover everything from startup to personal and professional journeys in Native tech. Prepare for a series of rapid-fire presentations featuring: 
- Tirza Swampy from First Nations Tech Council 
- Richard Chance of Totem Bank, showcasing his newest endeavor, FAME 
- Ryan St Germaine on the intersection of technology and Indigenous identity 
- Jeff Rhoton on reaching your audience through Audience Owners 

🕙11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Sparking Solar Energy: From Hands-On Workshops to Tribal Energy Sovereignty
Spark Northwest collaborated with the Makah, Nooksack, and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes to explore solar energy’s potential for youth and community empowerment. This session discusses how hands-on workshops are advancing Tribal Energy Sovereignty.

🕙 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Kanaka-Centric Design Team
By popular demand, the Kanaka-Centric Design Team returns to update us on their ongoing work, creating culturally relevant tech solutions for Kanaka Maoli communities.

🕙 12:20 PM - 12:40 PM
ʻĀinaQuest - Place-Based Gameplay 
Amy McKee, co-founder, introduces this project that uses gameplay and storytelling to engage communities in learning about native plants. Learn how they’re making conservation a fun, interactive experience.

🕙 12:40 PM - 1:00 PM
Piʻikū - A Panel
Piʻikū Co. shares how they’re creating community-centered innovation in Hawaiʻi by matching emerging tech talent with aligned organizations. Hear how they’re empowering local talent through impactful tech projects.

🕙 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
Decolonizing Tech: Embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Digital Space** 
Join Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno for a session exploring how to make technology a true tool for DEI, centering Indigenous voices and transforming tech into an inclusive space.

🕙 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
Decolonizing Data - Film Screening & Community Conversation
Watch “We Carry You With Us,” a short film by Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), celebrating the deep connection between Indigenous data and cultural traditions. Stay for a 45-minute conversation as we discuss reclaiming data sovereignty and cultural values.

🕙 2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
Yucayekeno Connect
Priscilla Bell and Bilquis Benu introduce their digital platform that connects Borikua Taino descendants through a kinship-based network. Learn how they’re tackling data sovereignty and strengthening cultural connections.

🕙 2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Portable MRI for Indigenous Research and Empowerment
Angela Teeple presents this revolutionary project bringing accessible, culturally-sensitive MRI technology to Indigenous communities, supporting local-led health research and fostering healthcare sovereignty.

🕙 3:00 PM - 3:05 PM 
Sponsor Appreciation and Closing Remarks
A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors and attendees as we celebrate another year of incredible Indigenous-led tech and innovation.

Every session is an opportunity to learn, share, and connect with Indigenous tech leaders. Because of your support on Open Collective, we can keep the event accessible to all and uplift Native voices in tech. We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey!

Click here to get it on your calendar: http://bit.ly/NITConf2024 

Please do consider joining us on November 8, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (PDT) and thank you for making the Natives In Tech Conference 2024 possible.