I am so glad that researchers are interested in helping extend #STEM opportunities to #tribal students!
But please understand that we #Indigenous academics spend considerable time to cultivate relationships of TRUST. No one should expect automatic access our networks. 1/8 #phd
But please understand that we #Indigenous academics spend considerable time to cultivate relationships of TRUST. No one should expect automatic access our networks. 1/8 #phd
Some well-intentioned researchers have asked to contact my networks bc they 1) have a #diversity goal (Indigenous people as a ✔️), 2) request a letter of support, or 3) have an idea to "help us". If this is our first communication, understand that we have not yet built trust. 2/8
Know that many #Indigenous academics have been burned by ppl who take the letter of support without honoring their commitments to those who helped obtain the grant or tenureship benchmark. That's extractive, and we do not forget. (Also true for #research community engagement) 3/8
Although we are a small (but growing) community of #Indigenous academics & educators, we are not helpless nor powerless. We definitely know more about what can help our #tribal communities as insiders, and we likely already have plans in place of our own. Self-determination! 4/8
As a small community, understand that #Indigenous academics field requests to access our networks ALL THE TIME. We act as stewards for our #tribal contacts & will preserve our relationships TO THEM first. Reconsider how that last-minute ask for your grant will be perceived. 5/8
HOW you approach #Indigenous networks is an important first step to becoming an ally. If you come in with a savior mindset or do not FIRST ASK US what WE want or need, then how can you expect to be the effective partner or collaborator as you promise? 6/8 #research #phd #STEM
#Tribal college instructors have Master degrees or higher & are just as qualified to apply for #STEM #education grants on their own without your aid. Pulling rank as a PhD is colonial & does not supersede expertise as educators in Indigenous contexts. And does not build trust 7/8
