South Orange, New Jersey (May 18, 2021) — Project Quipu Inc, a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, is launching this month. Project Quipu aims to utilize video gaming, competitive gaming, and esports as a vehicle to enhance cultural and social cohesion, and to create new career and economic opportunities with and between Indigenous Nations in the United States. Project Quipu comprises a growing number of academics, entrepreneurs, and esports professionals, drawing on their various professional backgrounds to provide comprehensive insight to its partners and clients. At launch, Project Quipu will be led by its board of directors, including Hai Ng, Co-Founder of Neomancer, Dr. Kate Spilde, Professor at San Diego State University, and Roger Quiles, Founding Partner of Quiles Law.
Dr. Spilde notes that, “In addition to the education and career opportunities, esports and video gaming can bring multiple benefits to Indian Country. As an online activity, video gaming can engage tribes in geographically remote regions through networked tournaments and spectating. Unlike traditional sports, video gaming does not require special purpose venues and is a year-round activity not adversely affected by seasons or harsh weather. There are no barriers to play related to gender, ability, age, or education level. Another attractive feature is their ability to attract infrastructure funding to Indian Country in order to encourage players, teams and tournaments. As this ecosystem continues to grow, the opportunity for education and careers will grow with it”
As part of its launch, Project Quipu has entered into a strategic partnership with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. Through its partnership with AISES, Project Quipu will serve as video gaming, competitive gaming, and esports industry experts to assist in AISES program and event development to create opportunities for its youth membership.
“We are thrilled to partner with Project Quipu to bring new and exciting opportunities to Indigenous students and professionals. Beyond competing, the video gaming and esports industry unlocks significant academic and career opportunities, particularly in the STEM fields.” AISES CEO, Sarah EchoHawk shared.
About Project Quipu
The mission for the nonprofit Project Quipu is to utilize video gaming, competitive gaming, and esports as a vehicle to enhance cultural and social cohesion, and to create new career and economic opportunities, beginning in and across Indigenous Nations and communities in the United States, then onwards to other indigenous communities across the globe. Project Quipu will seek tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service of the United States under section 501(c)3. For more information visit quipu.gg
About AISES
Founded in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. This robust nonprofit currently supports individual student and professional members across the U.S. and Canada in critically needed STEM disciplines. Through chartered college and university chapters, professional chapters, tribal chapters, and affiliated K-12 schools, members benefit from diverse STEM-focused programming that supports careers and promotes student success and workforce development in multiple crucial areas. To learn more visit aises.org.