Place-Based Education: Indigenous Identity Construction and a Sense of Belonging to Heritage Culture and the STEM Community

• In Event: Reclaiming Cultural Identity: Research on Indigenous Empowerment Through Language, Art, and Historical Knowledge

Abstract

The study focuses on Indigenous islanders in US-affiliated island territories and regions, exploring how to broaden their participation in STEM by incorporating their cultural expertise. The project examines the impact of strategic interventions and support programs on individuals' identity construction and sense of belonging to their heritage culture and the STEM community. We observed nested mentoring structures fostering authentic research experiences. Preliminary findings indicate that students are developing their cultural and scientific identities, embracing their heritage culture, and thriving in STEM through a supportive community environment. The research findings also shed light on the significance of the Chamorro value of Inafa’maolek, which emphasizes demonstrating goodness in actions, supporting and caring for one another, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Authors

• Sharon Nelson-Barber, WestEd

• Jonathan Boxerman, WestEd

• Kimberly Nguyen, WestEd

• Cheryl Ramirez Sangueza, University of Guam

• Elizabeth D. Rechebei