5 STEAM Innovations by Native Americans
November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich history, culture, and enduring legacy of Indigenous people. Native Americans have made remarkable contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) long before modern inventions as we know them. These innovations were born out of ingenuity, deep respect for nature, and sophisticated problem-solving. Let’s explore five groundbreaking achievements: kayaks, snow goggles, baby bottles, Three Sisters companion planting, and suspension bridges.
Photo Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia
1. kayaks
The Inuit peoples of the Arctic created kayaks which are a masterpiece of engineering and material science. These sleek and lightweight watercrafts were customarily made from driftwood or whalebone frames and covered with sealskin, so they were both buoyant and watertight. Kayaks were designed for hunting in icy waters and maneuverability and stealth were important. Indigenous engineering shows its groundbreaking shape and inspires modern recreational and sporting designs.
Photo Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. Snow Googles
Snow goggles, invented by the Inuit, showcase an advanced understanding of light physics. These goggles, which artisans carved from materials like bone, wood and ivory, featured narrow slits that reduced exposure to sunlight and prevented snow blindness caused by intense UV reflection off snow. The goggles were not only functional but also demonstrated a deep connection to the environment, as they maximized vision while ensuring sustainability in their creation.
Photo Source: National Geographic
3. Baby bottles
Native American communities, such as the Iroquois, used natural materials to craft early baby bottles. These bottles were made from dried animal gut and included a natural nipple made of softened leather or other materials. They ensured babies could be fed while parents worked or traveled. This innovation reflects the Indigenous emphasis on resourcefulness, showing how practical needs were met with tools readily available in the environment.
Photo Source: cpbaker1
4. Three Sisters Companion Planting
The Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—represent a revolutionary agricultural practice used by Native American tribes like the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). These crops were planted together, with each benefiting the others: corn provided support for climbing beans, beans enriched the soil with nitrogen, and squash's broad leaves shaded the ground, reducing weeds and conserving moisture. This holistic system exemplifies ecological balance and remains a model for sustainable farming practices worldwide.
Photo Source: National Geographic
5. Suspension bridges
Centuries before modern suspension bridges, the Inca people constructed robust, functional suspension bridges across steep Andean terrains. Made from plant fibers like ichu grass, these bridges could span vast distances, connecting communities and trade routes. The design relied on a deep understanding of tension, balance, and local materials. Inca suspension bridges laid the groundwork for modern engineering principles, showcasing the sophistication of Indigenous civil engineering.
This Native American Heritage Month, let’s honor and learn from these remarkable innovations that continue to inspire and influence the modern world of STEAM.