Deadline: 31-Mar-22
How can Native innovators in the US use traditional knowledge and technology to meet the social, environmental, and economic goals of their communities? The 2022 Indigenous Communities Fellowship helps to understrand the use traditional knowledge and technology.
The MIT Solve community is looking for eight technology-based solutions that help Native communities in the US thrive.
MIT Solve is a marketplace for social impact innovation with a mission to drive innovation to solve world challenges.
Disruptions in services for youth and the elderly, coupled with crippling global supply chain shortages, have left family caregivers with little support trying to feed, educate, and nurture their families while maintaining their income. Moreover, the unprecedented levels of isolation and the inability to gather for traditional practices have increased the need for innovative mental health interventions and culturally-informed services for individuals of all ages. The food shortages and grid failures sweeping the country underscore the importance of sovereign food and energy for tribal communities. Finally, while not a solution itself, new and long overdue streams of government relief funding, including the American Rescue Plan Act,
Solutions
Solve seeks solutions that:
- Drive positive outcomes for Native learners of any or all ages while supporting culturally grounded educational opportunities on and/or off reservations.
- Promote holistic and culturally informed mental or physical health programming for Native youth, elders, or families, including but not limited to, foster youth, veterans, and families with members who are disabled.
- Strengthen sustainable energy sovereignty and support climate resilience initiatives by and for Indigenous peoples.
- Support the creation, growth, and success of Native-owned businesses and promote workforce programs in tribal communities.
The Fellowship brief and its dimensions were drafted in consultation with Indigenous partners and community members.
NOTE: This Challenge is looking for Native innovators from within the United States and its territories.
For more information, visit MIT Solve .
For more information, visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/indigenous-communities-2022