Scott Glisson, Chief Executive Officer, AIBS
This piece is one in a series of blog entries called “BioScience Bytes.” In them, authors provide commentary on topical issues, enlivening the sciences and making science approachable for all readers.
American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is celebrating Native American Heritage Month by highlighting the excellence, achievements and contributions of the native american community to the scientific enterprise.
November marks Native American Heritage month. AIBS celebrates and honors the expertise, ingenuity, and courage of all Native Americans. For generations many Native Americans have been historically excluded and subjected to misery and often times horror. There are vast resources where we all may learn the histories and honor those who continue to create, inspire, develop, and care for all of us and our environment.
There are several options available to learn more and provide support to Native Americans. I urge you to commit to listening to a podcast, read a book, watch a documentary or short video, and visit a museum. These are just a tiny sliver of initiatives being led by Native American Scientists. Support one of the many scientific societies whose mission is to bolster education and professional development, proper job placement and career advancement, or those working tirelessly to close the gap in health disparities.
Join me in continuing on a journey of learning, discovery, and action. Lead, collaborate, and take the needed steps to ensure that your organization, department, colleagues, and students are taking the necessary steps to engrain an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accepting environment for us all. Those in leadership positions must take immediate action to incorporate these principles into all initiatives.
These are key to the potential of our great nation. Our country is an incredible fusion of diversity that inspires awe and provides promise for future generations. It is also one that celebrates culture and identity. We must continue to pursue a more perfect union, one in which all people are created equal, and all have individual freedom with equal rights and protection under the law.
Find out more about our commitment to increasing inclusion, diversity, equity, acceptance and accessibility (IDEA2) in the biological sciences.