A New Mexico PBS Series
Indigi-Genius
A series devoted to telling the scientific and cultural impact of Indigenous creations and knowledge of not only the past, but also the present world we know today.
What is this series about?
Written and hosted by Dr. Lee Francis, Pueblo and self described Indigi-Nerd, and funded in part by VisionMaker Media, the series covers a range of global Indigenous topics and breaks down some of the science, culture, history, and “Indigi-Genius” knowledge that we may sometimes take for granted.
To educate, inspire and engage Indigenous communities across the world.
Latest Episode
Episodes
Did you ever see ash added to blue corn mush growing up? Why would you add that to your breakfast? This episode explores the science of a traditional dish and what makes it so healthy.
In the arctic, buying the right waterproof clothing is still hard to do. Indigenous communities were already on it before rubber with their technique of transforming seal guts into waterproof clothing. In this episode we look at the Indigi-Genius way that this is done.
Wampum is special because in a time when powered tools were nowhere to be found, indigenous communities knew ways to not only feed themselves, but transform the shells from the food into jewelry with fine craftsmanship and advanced tools.
Throw away that slim jim and learn how Indigenous peoples used the sun and salt to preserve their meat for storage and travel.
Before lumber became the go to, adobe was a staple building material for the southwest and other indigenous communities. But what about this humble brick makes it so simple yet sturdy and sustainable? We explore.
Indigenous peoples didn’t necessarily “invent” communications, but in this episode we break down how communication was essential in Indigenous people’s lives and was used to carry messages long distances, without modern technology.
Indigenous peoples were and are advanced drum makers who can take raw natural materials and turn them into a fine musical instrument. We explore the science and tradition of drums.
Although Indigenous people didn’t “invent” maps, they were already documenting and marking upon different materials to translate information through time long before Google maps became the norm.
While now it has become very marketable to have more natural ingredients in cosmetics, Indigenous peoples were already way ahead in using the natural plants and animals around them to provide beauty and healthcare routines.
Water is life to Indigenous communities and their practices have always reflected that. As the original stewards of the land and water, native peoples have always had Indigi-Genius ways to manage water.
The formal treaties that were made between the first colonists and the First Peoples of America was nothing new to the native communities as they had already had treaties in place between other tribes.
The cradleboard is art meets science and function for parents and children. This unique design was made for easy transport and care of a child. In this episode, we look at what makes it so handy and how it was the basis for the modern ones we see today.
Telling the stories of Indigenous peoples from past, present, and future.
Did you ever see ash added to blue corn mush growing up? Why would you add that to your breakfast? This episode explores the science of a traditional dish and what makes it so healthy.
In the arctic, buying the right waterproof clothing is still hard to do. Indigenous communities were already on it before rubber with their technique of transforming seal guts into waterproof clothing. In this episode we look at the Indigi-Genius way that this is done.
Wampum is special because in a time when powered tools were nowhere to be found, indigenous communities knew ways to not only feed themselves, but transform the shells from the food into jewelry with fine craftsmanship and advanced tools.
Throw away that slim jim and learn how Indigenous peoples used the sun and salt to preserve their meat for storage and travel.
Before lumber became the go to, adobe was a staple building material for the southwest and other indigenous communities. But what about this humble brick makes it so simple yet sturdy and sustainable? We explore.
Indigenous peoples didn’t necessarily “invent” communications, but in this episode we break down how communication was essential in Indigenous people’s lives and was used to carry messages long distances, without modern technology.
Indigenous peoples were and are advanced drum makers who can take raw natural materials and turn them into a fine musical instrument. We explore the science and tradition of drums.
Although Indigenous people didn’t “invent” maps, they were already documenting and marking upon different materials to translate information through time long before Google maps became the norm.
While now it has become very marketable to have more natural ingredients in cosmetics, Indigenous peoples were already way ahead in using the natural plants and animals around them to provide beauty and healthcare routines.
Water is life to Indigenous communities and their practices have always reflected that. As the original stewards of the land and water, native peoples have always had Indigi-Genius ways to manage water.
The formal treaties that were made between the first colonists and the First Peoples of America was nothing new to the native communities as they had already had treaties in place between other tribes.
The cradleboard is art meets science and function for parents and children. This unique design was made for easy transport and care of a child. In this episode, we look at what makes it so handy and how it was the basis for the modern ones we see today.
Creators
Dr. Lee Francis 4, Pueblo of Laguna (Host / Writer)
DR. LEE FRANCIS 4 (Pueblo of Laguna) is the CEO and Founder of Native Realities LLC, an Indigenous Imagination Company, dedicated to unleashing the Indigenous imagination through popular culture, including comic books, graphic novels, games, toys, and collectibles. Founded in 2015, Native Realities has published the largest assortment of Indigenous-centric comic books in the world. Through Native Realities, Dr. Francis also founded the Indigenous Comic Con in 2016 and opened Red Planet Books and Comics, the only Native comic shop in the world, in 2017. In 2014, he received his Ph.D. in Education from Texas State University with a focus on Indigenous education systems and Indigenous leadership.
He also serves as the National Director of Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers, a 25-year old organization dedicated to promoting the work and words of Native and Indigenous people throughout the world. He has served in this position for the past fifteen years since the passing of Wordcraft Founder, Lee Francis III, in 2003. During his time, Dr. Francis has supported and mentored more than a hundred writers and storytellers, conducted dozens of school-based workshops, and promoted thousands of written works by Native writers and storytellers.
This series was also created and developed by the following:
Executive Producer, VisionMaker Media - Francene Blythe Lewis
Series Social Graphics - Mikel Cruz
Series Digital Artist - Lorena Molina
Lead Animator - Faith Perez
Acoustic Guitar - Charles Montoya
Cinematographers - Kel Cruz, Kevin Maestas