Albuquerque, NM, February 22, 2022 – In collaboration with the Botanical Society of America (BSA), Ecological Society of America (ESA) and Entomological Society of America (EntSoc), AISES was awarded a $1.5M five-year grant, referred to as Indigenous Voices, NSF award #: 2134624 by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Indigenous Voices will serve to drive organizational culture change among biology professional societies to transform how these societies engage with Indigenous scholars and communities and improve their inclusion.

“I am thrilled AISES is partnering with the Botanical Society of America, the Ecological Society of America, and the Entomological Society of America as we pursue increasing the representation of Indigenous scholars and Indigenous-centered research in these biological societies and fields. My passion for this collaboration stems from my own technical training and participation in these fields and organizations. Additionally, I believe our organizations can and will set examples for other biological fields, and Indigenous science and scholars can lead the way in how we tackle growing environmental and social challenges,” states Dr. Kathy DeerInWater, Chief Program Officer at AISES and the Co-Principal Investigator of this grant.

The purpose of Indigenous Voices is to test approaches to achieving culture change with respect to inclusion of Indigenous representation, from membership to Indigenous knowledge. AISES, the BSA, ESA and EntSoc will develop and implement assessments, build capacity within the organizations to grow a community among Indigenous scholars, and generate culture change through addressing structural barriers and improve understanding and promotion of Indigenous knowledge and communities.

About AISES

Founded in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. This robust nonprofit currently supports individual student and professional members across the U.S. and Canada in critically needed STEM disciplines. Through chartered college and university chapters, tribal chapters, and affiliated K-12 schools, members benefit from diverse STEM-focused programming that supports careers and promotes student success and workforce development in multiple crucial areas. To learn more visit aises.org.

About the Botanical Society of America

Founded in 1893, the Botanical Society of America (BSA) is a "not-for-profit" 501 (c) (3) membership society whose mission is to inspire and promote an inclusive global community committed to advancing fundamental knowledge and innovation in the botanical sciences for the benefit of people and the environment. The BSA is the professional home for botanists and plant scientists and supports the breadth and diversity of botanical research and education. We are the leading Society dedicated to botany and its future. To learn more, please visit botany.org.

About the Ecological Society of America

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of scientists founded in 1915 to promote ecological science by improving communication among ecologists, raise the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science, increase the resources available for the conduct of ecological science and ensure the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy-makers. To learn more please visit esa.org.

About the Entomological Society of America

The Entomological Society of America (EntSoc) is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, EntSoc has more than 7,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, students, pest management professionals, and hobbyists. EntSoc is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit professional society governed by a board comprised of members. The headquarters office is located in Annapolis, Maryland. To learn more please visit entsoc.org.

If you are involved in these organizations, let us know! There will be more opportunities for AISES members to be involved. Please contact Sky Wildcat at swildcat@aises.org for more questions and comments.