Departmental relationship: The Department of Science & Technology operates in its own governmental lane. The Executive Branch provides administrative oversight, coordination, records support, reporting support, and implementation assistance. The Department works closely with Education & Cultural Preservation on STEM learning, Economic Development on innovation and enterprise opportunities, Defense on digital resilience and preparedness, and other departments when scientific or technological support is needed.
Responsibilities
Knowledge, innovation, and technology in service to the people.
The Department develops the Tribe's capacity to understand science, use technology responsibly, protect its digital systems, educate future innovators, and apply practical research and tools to community needs.
Scientific Literacy & ResearchPromote evidence-based learning, scientific inquiry, research skills, critical thinking, and responsible evaluation of scientific information relevant to Tribal programs and community development.
STEM Education & Youth InnovationSupport science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities for youth and adults through workshops, clubs, mentoring, competitions, laboratories, and partnerships with qualified educational institutions.
Information Technology & Digital InfrastructurePlan and support secure, reliable computer systems, networks, communications technology, websites, software, databases, and digital tools used by Tribal departments and programs.
Cybersecurity & Digital ResilienceDevelop practical standards for protecting accounts, devices, records, systems, and communications; promote secure access, backups, incident readiness, privacy, and responsible technology use.
Artificial Intelligence, Data & AutomationEvaluate and responsibly apply artificial intelligence, data analysis, automation, and emerging digital tools where they can improve education, administration, research, communications, economic development, and service delivery.
Innovation & Applied TechnologyIdentify technologies that can solve practical problems, improve efficiency, support community services, strengthen infrastructure, and expand opportunities for innovation and self-sufficiency.
Technology Standards & EthicsDevelop responsible internal guidance for technology procurement, data handling, privacy, accessibility, records preservation, acceptable use, and ethical deployment of emerging technologies.
Partnerships & Technical DevelopmentBuild lawful relationships with schools, universities, laboratories, technology companies, research organizations, professionals, and community institutions to expand training, technical knowledge, and innovation opportunities.
Technical Support to GovernmentProvide or coordinate technical assistance to Tribal departments, programs, and institutions when their work requires scientific, digital, data, communications, or technology expertise.
Future ReadinessTrack important technological developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help prepare the Tribe for changes in communications, education, business, public services, cybersecurity, and emerging technology.
Related DepartmentEducation & Cultural Preservation
Science & Technology supports STEM instruction and youth innovation while Education & Cultural Preservation remains responsible for the Tribe's broader educational mission, curriculum, heritage, language, and intergenerational learning.
Education Department
Related DepartmentEconomic Development
Science & Technology may help identify, test, and develop useful technologies while Economic Development leads business strategy, entrepreneurship, investment, workforce opportunity, and commercial development.
Economic Development
