fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

Sponsored by Google.org and Amazon, students from across the country, including 21 teams from Arizona and 14 teams from Oklahoma will participate in the 5th Annual Southwest Native American Showcase, taking place November 14-16, 2024, in Whiteriver, Arizona.

The event will also serve as a pathway to the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, the world’s largest robotics competition.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

This competition demonstrates, the  Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) goal to strengthen its partnership with Native American tribes across the United States to bridge technological and educational gaps that persist in many Indigenous communities,

"We are honored to collaborate with Native Tribes to offer opportunities that not only enhance students' education but also respect and incorporate their cultural values," said Suzanne DePoe, a Grant Support Specialist at the REC Foundation and Citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. "With our partners, the REC Foundation is offering the critical access and resources that help inspire these young minds to envision themselves as innovators and leaders within their communities and beyond."

The REC Foundation’s mission is to empower Indigenous students by providing access to advanced robotics and drone programming, inspiring them to become future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Through its Indigenous Robotics initiative, RECF introduces students to robotics while integrating their rich cultural heritage, offering hands-on STEM learning opportunities that are both accessible and relevant. By equipping students with the skills needed for the future workforce, the REC Foundation is working to foster an equitable society where STEM education is inclusive and accessible to all.

To learn more about this initiative, visit this site.

More Stories Like This

GVSU’s “Indigi-Fest” Emphasized Sovereignty and Culture During Native American Heritage Month Celebration
Exploring Native American Identities through Indigenous Art
OU Hosts Comanche Nation Chairman for Tribal Engagement Series
American Indian College Fund to Host Free Book Discussion Online with Indigenous Author Deborah Taffa  
Native American Heritage Month: Message from University of Nevada - Reno President

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty? 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].