Open Technology & Indigenous Populations

What will this session be about?

In the geographies currently known as México and Guatemala, there are hundreds of indigenous nations whose practices already present solutions to the current climate crisis. "Futuros Indígenas", a network of more than 20 indigenous people from diverse communities all around México and Guatemala, encompasses some of these efforts. With the support of Data Crítica, a collective in the intersection of tech and journalism, they are transforming the rationale behind tech from just a profit-making tool to a support for gathering and communicating data about important conservation strategies.

Led by Gibrán Mena of Data Crítica and Wendy Juárez of Universidad de la Tierra, this session will discuss the strategies they are using (including data collection strategies, the making of digital maps, music and video production and other communication strategies), to support their crucial role in protecting biodiversity, as well as supporting fellow indigenous communities continuously under attack for their endeavors.

About the speakers:

Gibrán Mena (they/them or he/him) is a journalist and contemporary artist who leverages data visualization and statistics to narrate power disbalances. Co-founder of Data Crítica, a journalistic research specialized in data analysis of racial/gender/economic disparities. With a background in philosophy and literature, they work at the intersection of narratives, tech and the politics of life.

Wendy Juárez (she/her) Is a Zapotec highlander, originally from the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. She collaborates with the Universidad de la Tierra in community regeneration and autonomy, recovering living alternatives in the fields of eating, healing and inhabiting. Audiovisual producer. Currently in the process of obtaining a PhD in Sciences and Humanities for Interdisciplinary Development, promoted by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Sciences and Humanities (CEIICH) of the UNAM.

When is this session happening?

Thursday, September 30th at 14:00 UTC (covert to your time zone here)

What is the Summit?

Code for All's 2021 Summit wishes to welcome everyone and anyone interested in civic tech to attend our free sessions. From those who have been involved in the community since its inception to those only hearing about it now - all are welcome to come and find out more, make some friends, and workshop new ways to help.

What exactly is civic tech?

Civic tech, in short, is technology that positively impacts society — but that’s not the whole story. It’s about creating civic innovation tools (tools that help make more democratic, transparent and people centered governments), but it isn’t only about the tools themselves — it’s about the process through which these tools are created. Here's a good place to learn more.

Who is Code for All?

Code for All is an international network of organizations supporting each other to empower citizens to meaningfully engage in the public sphere and have a positive impact on their communities.