By: India-Bleu Niehoff, Water Library Student Assistant
Introduction
Despite the small numbers of Indigenous women in STEM, they are present and making foundational contributions to the field. While there has been a recent push to encourage more Indigenous women into STEM, it would be disrespectful to ignore the historical figures who paved the way for the newer generation(s). Learning their names, their fields and their impacts is incredibly powerful. Here are just a few compiled lists of both historical and present-day Indigenous women in STEM. Learn about them, follow them and support them.
Resources
Read this article from Cultural Survival that documents 12 Indigenous women scientists from around that globe. 12 Indigenous Women Scientists to Follow
This article from Medium, while not focused exclusively on Indigenous women, does have interviews with 18 Indigenous people in STEM discussing the challenges they’ve faced as well as accomplishments they are proud of. Just 18 Really Awesome Native Folks in STEM
This article from news station WDSU from New Orleans, Louisiana, discusses Mary Golda Ross, one of the first known Indigenous female engineers, and the statue dedicated to her. Mary Golda Ross
In this PBS video learn about Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first (known) Indigenous physician and the first to establish a private hospital on an American Indian reservation. PBS
From this Chemical & Engineering News article learn about Dawn Pratt, a “Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation chemist turned educator,” who is trying to be the mentor for young Indigenous women interested in STEM that she didn’t have. C&EN
From Medicine Hat News, learn about Keziah Lesko-Gosselin and her experience as an Indigenous woman in STEM. Miywasin Moment
In this ABC News Australia article, learn about Greta Stephensen, a Wide Bay Indigenous student, and the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Student Award she won. Wide Bay Indigenous student recognized
Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology introduces you to seven Indigenous people in STEM. 7 Indigenous People in STEM You Should Know
Learn about Michelle Hobbs, a PhD candidate and associate lecturer at Griffith University in Australia, who was the recipient of the 2023 Australian Academy of Science Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award. Emerging
While not exclusively focusing on women, this article from the Canadian Encyclopedia looks at nine Indigenous scientists and their contributions. Remarkable Indigenous Scientists and Researchers in Canada
Read this article from SAY Magazine about Chevaun Toulouse of Sagamok First Nation, a conservationist and a reptiles and amphibians expert. From the Swamp to the Great Lakes
Listen (or read the transcript) to this podcast that interviews Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of the New York Times bestseller Braiding Sweetgrass. On Being
Learn about Debra Haaland, one of the first Indigenous women elected to congress and the current secretary of the interior, in this article from We R Native. Who is?