Technology is Indigenous.

Tribal communities have harnessed the power of tools for thousands of years to build, create, and provide for one another. Digital technology may seem intimidating, but it is just another set of tools to be mastered. YaquiTech Innovation Lab can help you get there.

It starts with visibility.

The things you make, the services you provide, and the stories you tell need an audience. Today’s audiences are leaning on technology more than ever before to connect with the things they want and need. A good digital presence ensures that the people who need you will be able to find and connect with you.

Learning
for Natives,

taught by
Natives.

YaquiTech Innovation Lab is a pilot program of Nopalito Network, an organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, accessible technology education to Tribal communities. Executive Director Nicolette Gomez is a professional web developer and a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe who has firsthand experience of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Our goal is to collaboratively blend tradition with technology, boosting tribal entrepreneurship by rooting it in cultural heritage and extending its impact through digital innovation. This combination not only preserves our traditions but also sets the stage for a thriving and enduring entrepreneurial future within our tribe.

What you
can
expect

Build

Create a custom website WITHOUT CODE and put it on your own domain name.

Design

Learn how to make your website appealing to your audience.

COLLABORATE

Share a valuable experience with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who are ready to take their digital presence to the next level

CELEBRATE

Showcase your work at a public graduation celebration and receive a certificate to communicate your achievements!

What you
can
expect

Build

Create a custom website WITHOUT CODE and put it on your own domain name.

Design

Learn how to make your website appealing to your audience.

COLLABORATE

Share a valuable experience with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who are ready to take their digital presence to the next level

CELEBRATE

Showcase your work at a public graduation celebration and receive a certificate to communicate your achievements!

Get
to know
your team

NIKO

Executive Director

ALESHIA

Program Manager

GAYLE

Community Engagement Coordinator

HILDA

Digital Media Manager

supported by

Time for
questions

The program is open to members of the Pascua Yaqui community who are operating a business, selling goods and services, or have a business idea they are planning to launch. Participants will be selected through an application process.

The program is tuition-free through support from the University of Arizona and Pascua Yaqui Tribe. We love our partners!

Because of the pace of the program, it will be helpful if you are coming in with experience of using a computer in your day-to-day life. Coding experience is not necessary!

We are currently updating our Fall schedule and will notify our subscribers soon! (Scroll down to become a subscriber)

WordPress:

WordPress is a user-friendly website builder that enables participants to create and manage professional websites without coding skills. It offers customizable themes and plugins, making it perfect for Indigenous entrepreneurs to establish their online presence easily.

Elementor:

Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress, allowing users to design stunning web pages visually. It empowers participants to personalize their websites according to their branding and preferences, without requiring technical expertise.

FigJam:

FigJam is a collaborative whiteboarding tool for brainstorming and ideation. It facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling participants to share ideas and co-create strategies during workshops and discussions, fostering creativity and engagement.

Slack:

Slack is a communication platform for real-time messaging and collaboration. It provides channels for organizing discussions, direct messaging, and integration with other tools. Slack fosters seamless communication and community building among participants, mentors, and instructors, enhancing the learning experience.

The Yaqui-Tech Innovation Lab is currently updating our program. Subscribe to learn more! (Scroll to the bottom)

Summer 2024 applications are closed. For more info 

Our June 2024 application cycle has closed. Please follow us online to get updates. 

Hey there innovator!

Congratulations to the Yaqui-Tech inaugural cohort! Stay tuned as we prepare to share their hard work.