Corporate

How access to technology empowers Native American and Indigenous communities

Article Nov 18, 2024 Read time: 1 min

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By Gary Burnette, Vice President, Advisory Consulting Office of the CIO, and Robert Turner, Senior Vice President, General Manager of US Financial Services at Kyndryl

Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples are vastly underrepresented in the tech industry. But technology — and access to it — can help remove many systemic barriers to entering the workforce, create opportunities for advancement and play a pivotal role in strengthening our communities.

For the Native American, Alaska Native, Indigenous and affiliated Pacific Islander communities celebrating National Native American Heritage Month in November, online forums and digital platforms have become critical tools for fostering connections and mechanisms for making our voices heard. In obvious and subtle ways, technology helps people share experiences, celebrate their heritage and identity, and support one another.

At Kyndryl, our Native American Tribal and Indigenous Voices Kyndryl Inclusion Network (NATIV KIN) — one of our many business resource groups — serves a similar purpose, using digital tools to connect members, encourage participation in local activities and attend events like the AISES Conference 2024. Such digital engagements extend across borders, connecting Indigenous groups and employees in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Why ‘identity’ matters

When we see ourselves represented in industries — especially the technology industry — we can experience a genuine sense of belonging that can increase our chances of success. We’ve all heard, “If you can see it, you can be it.” Seeing people in the workforce who look like us and openly embrace their heritage can inspire young Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples to pursue studies and careers in STEM.

Indigenous People have a long history of scientific knowledge and innovation. Our unique, traditional approaches can significantly enhance modern technology, offering new possibilities that benefit the global community.

Technology has the power to democratize access to information, offering diverse perspectives and historical narratives that help individuals understand their cultural heritage and identity. However, Native and Indigenous communities often face challenges with infrastructure and resources, and living in remote geographies can hinder educational and cultural experiences. That’s why — as public schools in the U.S. increasingly use digital tools to enhance learning — it is vital for our communities to have access to technology and internet connectivity.

Organizations like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and Indspire, which partner with Kyndryl, are crucial in addressing these challenges. By breaking down barriers and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in the tech sector, these organizations help prepare Native American and Indigenous young people for success. For example, Kyndryl Canada sponsored two Indspire students to pursue their degrees in technology.

As we continue integrating technology into education and daily life, it is essential to help ensure that these advancements are accessible to all, promoting education, inclusion and understanding of identity for all our communities.