Approaches to Ethically Studying Indigenous Engineering Student Mental Health

Background: As Canadian engineering programs attract more Indigenous students, it is important we understand the mental health needs and experiences of Indigenous students so we can provide the support they need. The purpose of this paper is to share the approach to designing a study exploring Indigenous engineering student mental health and to highlight the considerations required when doing research in collaboration with Indigenous peoples. This paper explores the use of Indigenous methodologies, Two-Eyed Seeing, and the medicine wheel in the study design. Preparing to do research with Indigenous students, particularly as researchers with European ancestry, requires significant planning and reflection. Key features of this include taking First Nation Principles of Ownership Control Access and Possession (OCAP) training and committing to the OCAP principles, using reflexivity as a researcher, and ensuring participant safety when exploring sensitive topics. As we advance truth and reconciliation in academia, it is crucial that we do so with reflexivity, respect, and reciprocity, prioritizing anti-oppressive practices and balancing Indigenous ways of knowing with western knowledge.