Our Mission
We are Indigenous futurists dedicated to empowering communities through culturally-centered mentorship, education, research, and career development. By advancing Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty in AI, computer science, and transformational technologies, we aim to inspire future leaders and drive innovation that benefits Indigenous peoples.
Our Vision
We envision an ecosystem of Indigenous excellence in AI, computer science, and advanced technology, guided by culturally informed research, education, and community-driven programs. As a North Star, our initiatives empower youth, educators, and communities to reclaim knowledge, innovate, and lead in fields shaping our future.
Values
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We believe in building strong, interconnected communities where Indigenous people can collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another to achieve collective growth in technology and education.
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Our programs honor and integrate the unique cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, fostering a sense of pride and identity in all that we do.
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We are committed to empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim control over their data, technology, and future, ensuring self-determination and independence in a rapidly advancing world.
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Grounded in Indigenous teachings, we prioritize reciprocal relationships where knowledge, resources, and benefits flow mutually between our programs and the communities we serve.
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We cultivate trust through transparency, consistency, and a genuine commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in ways that align with their goals and values.
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With deep respect for Indigenous wisdom, traditions, and sovereignty, we approach all our work with humility and a dedication to honoring the communities we serve.
Our History
IndigiGenius originated from a collaboration between the NeurIPS affinity group, Indigenous in AI, and the nonprofit organization, Natives in Tech, after they produced a summer program in 2022 called the Lakota AI Code Camp. This summer program was the catalyst that justified the need for a standalone organization to house the Lakota AI Code Camp in order to scale, but not just the camps were catalyzed. The increased demand for AI Code Camps exacerbated the need to increase the number of Indigenous instructors needed to scale camps to more Indigenous communities.
On October 21, 2022, IndigiGenius began as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Washington. The Lakota AI Code Camp’s original team of six now serve as the board of directors and Executive Director. LAICC was held for a second year in June 2023 and is considered the pilot program that brought this nonprofit organization recognition and success before inception. More programs, projects, participants, and partnerships will come from these program implementations.
Who We Are
IndigiGenius is an Indigenous-led team of data scientists, developers, and educators.
Board of Directors
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Michael Running Wolf (Lakota/Cheyenne)
CHAIR
First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR)
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Mason Grimshaw (Lakota)
VICE CHAIR
Lakota AI Code Camp (LAICC)
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Ian Her Many Horses, PhD (Lakota)
SECRETARY
Lakota AI Code Camp (LAICC)
Teach the Teacher Professional Development (T3PD)
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Caroline Running Wolf (Crow/Swabian/Pikuni/Oglala/Winnebago)
TREASURER
First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR)
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Elizabeth Starks (Shiwi/Diné)
MEMBER
Curriculum Committee
Lakota AI Code Camp (LAICC)
Teach the Teacher Professional Development (T3PD)
Staff
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Andrea Delgado-Olson (Northern Sierra Miwok)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Shawn Tsosie, PhD (Navajo/Little Shell)
APPLIED MACHINE LEARNING SCIENTIST
Lakota AI Code Camp (LAICC)
First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR)
Teach the Teacher Professional Development (T3PD)
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Heather Barfield, PhD
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
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Michelle Brown, PhD (Euskalduna/German)
PROGRAM MANAGER
Lakota AI Code Camp (LAICC)
Teach the Teacher Professional Development (T3PD)