“We constantly have to navigate”: Indigenous students’ and professionals’ strategies for navigating ethical conflicts in STEMM

Abstract

AbstractThis paper reports on a research project that explored ethical, cultural, and/or spiritual conflicts and the various strategies used to navigate the conflicts among over 400 Indigenous students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine [Our initial project was conceptualized as including STEM fields (not including the final M for medicine/health-related fields). However, our work included survey respondents and interviewees in medicine/health-related fields, so our subsequent analysis and discussion uses the more inclusive acronym of STEMM.] (STEMM) fields. These navigational strategies include teaching others and leveraging their support, engaging in ceremonial practices to provide protection and correction when needed, being in the right mindset and/or acting in the right ways, and—for some—changing pathways altogether. By centering Indigenous students' and professionals’ voices and experiences, we learn how intentional, complex, and thoughtful their strategies must be.