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Award-Winning First Innovations Initiative

 

 First Innovations Initiative ~ Initiative for American Indian Sustainability

  • Indian Country Today spotlights First Innovation Initiative

    Indian Country Today
    spotlights First Innovation Program.

    Native American Students Learn Entrepreneurial Skills at ASU
    An intensive four-day program hosted by the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI)
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit

    Entrepreneurial Spirit
    in the classroom

    First Innovations rekindles
    entrepreneurial spirit in the classroom
  • ASU 2011 Presidential Award for Innovation

    ASU 2011 Presidential Award for Innovation
    awarded to First Innovations

    ASU 2011 Presidential Award for Innovation
    awarded to First Innovations Initiative recognizes the enthusiasm of the students as well as successful collaboration between ASU & Tribal Government.
  • Summer 2012 NCAIED Support

    Summer 2012 Internship
    Natl. Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, 2012 Internship site

    Summer 2012 Internship
    Students will work with native-owned businesses, tribal enterprises or tribal organizations to identify key challenges and opportunities.

Overview & Goals
Learn more about the First Innovations Initiative - for American Indian Sustainability

 

 

Our Ground-breaking Curriculum

-Summer 2012 Internship

 

-Spring 2013 Course: AIS 394
Innovation for American Indian Sustainability

 


Help Cultivate Leaders for the Future of Indian Country
Support Student Scholarships

 

 

Contact
How to get in touch with us.

The First Innovations Initiative - is built on the value of long-term American Indian sustainability, with curriculum designed to introduce sustainability entrepreneurship that sees culture as a well-spring of innovation. Leaping beyond teaching students how to start small businesses, First Innovations students in addition, focus on high-impact thinking. It is high-impact thinking, enterprises and businesses that will be the economic engines of Tribal Nations. 

The First Innovations Initiative is a collaboration between the ASU American Indian Policy Institute and American Indian Studies.

The core trans-disciplinary team includes:

  • Eddie F. Brown, DSW, Professor, American Indian Studies & Executive Director, American Indian Policy Institute
  • John Takamura, Asst. Professor, Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
  • Patricia Mariella,  Ph.D. Director,  American Indian Policy Institute
  •  Fonda Walters, Ed.D., Senior Research Analyst,  American Indian Policy Institute & Faculty Research Associate, American Indian Studies