Indigi-Genius

Coming soon, a new series from NMPBS and Vision Maker Media, Indigi-Genius. Native communities around the globe have been making innovations since the dawn of man. Indigi-Genius dives into innovations surrounding water management, building materials, waterproof clothing, communication, cosmetics and more.

When it comes to corn, Indigenous people have long known the benefits. In this episode of Indigi-Genius, our host Dr. Lee Francis of Laguna Pueblo discusses the health benefits of a classic Indigenous staple food- blue corn mush. What makes blue corn blue? Why is ash added to traditional blue corn mush? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Indigi-Genius!

When you live in wet and cold climates and conditions, survival becomes dependent upon how dry you can be. Throughout the ages, ancestors and elders have passed on clothes-making traditions, including how to craft waterproof outerwear. In this episode of Indigi-Genius, our host Dr. Lee Francis IV of Laguna Pueblo discusses ancient traditions involved in the making of waterproof clothing.

This week on Indigi-Genius, we're talking about the innovation behind Wampum! Wampum are small beads made using the lustrous Quahog shell by Native people on the Northeastern coasts of North America. In this episode of Indigi-Genius, our host Dr. Lee Francis IV of Laguna Pueblo discusses how these delicate and beautiful beads were made using Indigi-Genius methods!

This week on Indigi-Genius we're discussing jerky. Dried meat has long been a staple for Indigenous communities throughout the world. The process and practice of using time, heat, and seasonings to create something that is safe, satisfying and sustainable is a delicate balance that Indigenous people have mastered for Millenia. And that’s science!

Long before modern materials, people had to build homes and structures using the items around them. Brush and branches, hides, mud and stones– Indigenous peoples were able to gather their most basic needs for shelter. Here in the Southwest United States, Pueblo people have been building villages for thousands of years, using the rocks and stone around them.

For hundreds of years, Indigenous people have developed sophisticated methods to communicate. Given the number of nations with language differences, and Tribes, and the distances across the United States, and around the world, it was and continues to be important, for people to be able to understand each other. But how does that act of communication actually work?

For Indigenous people, drums are more than just a collection of natural elements. The art and science of drum making have been a part of Indigenous cultures throughout the world for millennia. Drums have a deep spiritual resonance, but also have a necessary understanding of physics, in order to achieve the correct sound.

Cartography, the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface, such as a map or chart. For Indigenous peoples, cartography is more than just topography or mapping locations. For many Indigenous communities, it's about values, culture and traditional understandings.

Indigenous People have been creating cosmetics and natural body remedies for thousands of years. Through trial and error, they have blended science and a deep understanding of human biology to connect with the world around them in very personal ways. And you’ll learn all about that here on Indigi-Genius!

Mni Wichoni. Translated, it means water is life. Indigenous peoples around the globe have long understood the importance of water and how it must be used effectively and sustainably. From the deserts to the oceans, Indigenous communities have a deep knowledge of how the cycles of water are interconnected with the cycles of life.

Indigenous people have been forming governments & building nations for hundreds of years. Not all science takes place in a lab and not all Indigenous innovation requires a background in S.T.E.M. Political science is the branch of knowledge that deals with systems of government. It is the analysis of political activity and behavior of a society, based on governing ideals.

Ever since there have been babies, there has been a need to carry those babies. Our animal relations have numerous biological ways built in, but for humans, well, we don't have as many. And babies are, how shall we say, kind of vulnerable. Enter the cradle board.