As makerspaces became popular in educational and non-educational environments, it was vital to examine the technological absence in Native communities—this inspired KARMA to redefine the term “makerspace” as MakerPlace.
MakerPlace emphasizes the relationship to place from a Navajo approach that accentuates the kinship between land, community, home, and the universe. The MakerPlace is a collaborative hub that ignites creative individuals to utilize tools such as 3D printing, LEGO SPIKE Prime Kits, and virtual reality (VR) headsets to explore solutions rooted in local challenges.
KARMA assisted in establishing MakerPlaces in schools on the Navajo and Hopi Nation to have access to 3D printers, coding robotics, and VR headsets. In collaboration with maverick teachers, it has expanded into a web of locations participating in opportunities like NASA’s Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) MakerPlace program.
Additionally, KARMA recognizes the complexity of navigating classroom settings to tailor to community-based approaches. This challenge in providing access to community members in rural communities has been supported through partnerships with physical community center locations on the Navajo Nation has garnered an atmosphere of play, exploration, and tinkering to evoke interest in possible career pathways in STEM.
KARMA hosted a two-day workshop, Igniting STEM, at Tse’ii’ahi’ Community Center in Standing Rock, New Mexico. Participants engaged with 3D printing, computer aided design, virtual reality, and coding robotics that were all tailored for community-based orientation.
The Navajo Nation is a technological desert that lacks access to tech focused tools that could positively impact communities. The MakerPlace is constructed to bridge the connection between culture and technology. As access expands, the vision is to encourage students, family, and community members to apply their innovative thinking to develop applications that could solve community based challenges.