Despite decades of efforts and hundreds of millions in funding to expand diversity in computing and technology, Native communities continue to remain marginalized. As drivers of regional and rural economies, Tribal Nations are at the forefront of job growth and should be considered critical partners in the future of the technology sector. However, due to a long history of exclusionary policies and current practices, Native communities are still excluded from opportunities to create wealth, design and deploy innovative technologies, and to invest in products and companies led by Native entrepreneurs/engineers. As the tech sector continues to grow, it is critical Tribal Nations and communities are included in decision-making and leadership to ensure the path forward.
This report from the Kapor Foundation explores the current state of Native representation in the United States; their systemic exclusion across K-12 computer science education, postsecondary pathways, tech workforce, and entrepreneurship; and provides a set of recommendations for action.