Indigenous Literacy and STEM Projects

As required by A.R.S. § 15-244, the Indian Education Act, the Office of Indian Education assists schools and tribal nations to meet the educational needs of Native American students. This includes the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and instruction that are culturally relevant and aligned to state standards, as well as promoting family and community involvement in the education of Native American students.

We provide two annual professional learning projects focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and literacy instruction. The Indigenous STEM Project occurs in the spring, and the Indigenous Literacy Project occurs in the fall. 

Thank you to Our Indigenous STEM Project Community

The purpose of the Indigenous STEM Project (ISP) is to empower educators to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in ways that honor Indigenous knowledge systems. It equips educators with relevant, research-based professional learning focused on culturally responsive STEM education. Through evidence-based strategies and best practices, we enhance educators' capacity to serve Native American students, improving their academic outcomes and engagement in STEM. 

2026 Indigenous STEM Project – Three Event Series

We extend our deepest thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2026 Indigenous STEM Project. This work continues to be meaningful because of the collective knowledge, generosity, and commitment of our Indigenous educators, partners, presenters, and community members.

Virtual Events

ISP On Demand Webinar

Now live | Launched February 25, 2026

Description: This pre-recorded 2-hour webinar introduces culturally responsive STEM strategies that honor Indigenous knowledge systems. Featuring mini-presentations from various ADE units, the webinar will provide educators with foundational resources and practical tools to begin integrating STEM practices aligned with AZ State Academic Standards. Accessible anytime statewide, this webinar ensures flexibility for participants and professional recognition through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certificates upon completion (3 CEU's). 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ADE-provided resources and strategies that support culturally responsive STEM instruction.
• Explore practical applications of Indigenous knowledge systems within STEM education through mini-presentations.
• Apply at least one resource or strategy from the webinar to enhance STEM instruction and complete a feedback survey to reflect on learning.

ADE partners include:

• ADE Academic Standards: Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Health & Physical Education
• ADEL – Arizona Digital Educators Library
• ADE Exceptional Student Services

Registration remains open through August 25, 2026 in ADEConnect

ISP Indigenous STEM Professionals Panel

March 11, 2026 | Zoom Webinar

Thank you to everyone who attended our ISP Indigenous STEM Professionals Panel.

Description: A free, interactive online event designed for Indigenous youth, families, and educators. Indigenous STEM professionals share their career journeys, insights, and the importance of cultural identity in STEM. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify Indigenous STEM career pathways by learning about diverse professions and contributions from Indigenous professionals.
• Explore how cultural identity influences STEM engagement and career aspirations to better support Native students' motivation and success.
• Apply strategies for integrating Indigenous perspectives into classroom discussions about STEM careers to inspire students and affirm cultural relevance.

We are deeply thankful to:

• Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) - Author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants and other titles.
• Aaron Yazzie (Navajo) - Mechanical Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
• Sanjiv Thompson-Ruiz (White Mountain Apache) - K-5th grade STEAM teacher on the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona.

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Indigenous STEM Symposium

April 2, 2026 | Arizona Science Center – CREATE Space

Description: A one-day professional learning event designed to enhance the capacity of Arizona educators (PreK-12) in delivering culturally relevant STEM instruction to Native American students.

We extend our gratitude to all who joined us for the in-person Indigenous STEM Symposium.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners and supporters:

• Arizona Science Center for providing a meaningful venue to learn
• Salt River Project (SRP) for your generous financial support
• Agnes Nelm Haury Program for your financial contribution

We thank our outstanding presenters for sharing their expertise and practice:

• ADE Academic Standards
• ADE Title IV - Gifted 
• NAU Center for Science Teaching and Learning
• Arizona Science Center
• NSF NOIRLab, Kitt Peak National Observatory
• Indigenous STEAM LLC
• Educator Showcase Presenters
  • Myrna Palomas Banabana (San Carlos Unified School District)
  • Scott Godwin (Flagstaff Unified School District)

Thank you to all of our exhibitors who shared resources and learning opportunities:

• ADE Academic Standards
• ADE Title IV
• AISES Phoenix Chapter
• Indigenous STEAM LLC
• Native American Code Writers & Center for Societal Impact
• SARSEF
• Phoenix Zoo
• NSF NOIRLab – Kitt Peak National Observatory
• NAU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning
• Native Seed

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2025 Indigenous Literacy Project

The Office of Indian Education extends a heartfelt Thank You to the presenters, partners, volunteers, and attendees who participated in the 4th annual Indigenous Literacy Project! Please find information in the Previous Professional Learning dropdown menu below.