MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name:

Native American Societies and Cultures

One-line solution summary:

Examine Native American societies and culture through sovereign government, language, art, economy, clothing, food, and natural medicines.

Pitch your solution.

The "Native American Societies and Cultures" serves to examine Native American societies and culture through sovereign government, language, art, economy, clothing, food, and natural medicines. This allows Native Americans and non-native Americans to learn about the history of Native American Nations, Tribes, Bands and Clans. This examination provides a literacy and understanding of the Native American past, present and future leadership models, connection with the environment, sovereign governments, and societal issues. These are used to provide knowledge to use as Advocates for causes that are important to Native and indigenous peoples.

Film your elevator pitch.

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What specific problem are you solving?

I am working to provide Native American literacy and advocacy for communities and leaders. This is done such that advocates are provided to assist and champion Native American causes from the general public. Native Americans have been marginalized throughout history although their government systems, medicines, environmental practices are followed by the general public. This is without acknowledging where the practices have arisen and not working with Native American communities to champion their needs, issues and causes.

Lewis, D. (1995). Native Americans and the Environment: A Survey of Twentieth-Century Issues. American Indian Quarterly, 19(3), 423-450. doi:10.2307/1185599.

Pearson, E. (2017). Native American Injustice and the Mathematics of Blood Quantum. In Sieh, E. & McGregor, J.(Eds.) Human Dignity: Establishing Worth and Seeking Solutions.( pp. 301-318). Palgrave McMillan.

What is your solution?

My solution provides online statistical literacy training at no-cost to community groups and community leaders. The use of Zoom technologies to provide lectures and readings in Native American Societies and Cultures. Techniques of Advocacy and present causes and issues of Native American will be provided in a 4 week online class.

Strong preference will be given to Native-led solutions that directly benefit and are located within the Indigenous communities. Which community(s) does your solution benefit?

My solution serves community groups and leaders of the general population such that advocates of Native American causes and issues are gained. Thus, the benefits will accrue to Native American communities and populations. Basic knowledge of Native American literacy makes non-Native Americans informed decision makers and provides balance over how what they hear and interpret from news media and other sources of digital media. Then the non-Native American community groups and leaders can form advocacy collectives to assist Native Americans causes of economics and remedies for injustices.

Which dimension of the Fellowship does your solution most closely address?

Other

Explain how the problem you are addressing, the solution you have designed, and the population you are serving align with the Challenge.

The challenge is seeking solutions for injustices that Native American communities and received. My solution developed advocates to champion Native American causes.Thus, providing support to resolve and speak for or speak against issues and concerns regarding Native American policies, legislation on local, state and national levels.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Boston, MA, USA

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Pilot: An organization deploying a tested product, service, or business model in at least one community.

Explain why you selected this stage of development for your solution.

The Native American literacy and advocacy training is developed. Piloting it with the public is the next step.

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Esther Pearson

Please indicate the tribal affiliation of your primary delegate.

Echota Cherokee

Is your primary delegate a member of the community in which your project is based?

Yes

About Your Team

Your Business Model & Partnerships

Partnership & Prize Funding Opportunities

Why are you applying to Solve?

I. I have experience in the topic of the Solve area.

2. I am passionate about Native American causes and issues.

3. I am passionate about educating others for Native American literacy.

4. I was solicited to apply

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

Financial (e.g. improving accounting practices, pitching to investors)
Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)

Please explain in more detail here.

I will need financial resources to complete the proposal. I will need media coverage to obtain community group and leaders support for the project.

What organizations would you like to partner with, and how would you like to partner with them?

MIT Faculty and MIT Native American Societies (AISES).

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The ASA Prize for Equitable Education? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for the Innovation for Women Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The AI For Humanity Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution