"It Hurts to Do Work Like That": Indigenous Students and Professionals Navigating Ethical Conflicts in STEM

• In Event: Indigenous Education Pre-K–12 and Teacher Preparation

Abstract

This paper draws on a survey that explored the kinds of ethical, cultural, and/or spiritual conflicts for over 400 Indigenous students and professionals in STEM fields. First, we will provide an overview of the most frequent types of ethical/cultural/spiritual conflicts Indigenous professionals and students report experiencing in STEM fields. This data will be disaggregated by STEM discipline in order to better understand how different STEM disciplines present different challenges for some Indigenous people. Second, we will describe the various strategies Indigenous professionals and students use to navigate the issues they face. Finally, implications for educators, mentors, and STEM leaders will be discussed.

Authors

• Angelina E. Castagno, Northern Arizona University

• Jani Ingram, Northern Arizona University

• Davona Blackhorse

• Ricky Camplain, Northern Arizona University