Careers with STEM: Indigenous 2024

with STEM™ CAREERS indigenous

Create careers from culture

p6

Meet the digital apprentices designing our issue! p12 Play footy? You can code p23

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the rights and ownership of the traditional owners of the land and pay our respects to Indigenous elders, past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the deep history of science and technology of the First Peoples of the Australian and Aotearoa nations.

We celebrate the scientific legacy and living history of First Nations people in Australia and around the world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold diverse knowledge of science and innovation. This knowledge is vast and detailed. It includes sustainable agriculture and food management practices, threat detection, sustainable engineering and environmental science, a rich astronomical knowledge and technological innovation.

“Connecting my engineering expertise with my identity and culture involves incorporating a holistic perspective into problem-solving, recognising the importance of sustainability, considering the diverse needs of communities and having a deep respect for our land.”

Greta Stephensen, Mechanical Engineering Intern, Boeing

“We live in two worlds. Our language is for our world and our cultural practice and tells the rest of the world we were here first.”

Lala Gutchen, First Languages Program Facilitator, Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation

KIWIRRKURRA RANGERS AND RESEARCHERS EXAMINE ANIMAL TRACKS AT A BAIT PLOT AS PART OF THEIR EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE ENDANGERED NINU (BILBY) POPULATION FROM INVASIVE PREDATORS.

“STEM is a big part of our modern world, but it’s also a big part of our cultural heritage.”

Cliodhna Maguire, First Nations Greening Officer, Sydney Botanic Gardens

STEM + X = Combine passion (+ X) to discover your dream career... STEM + Conservation & Custodianship

STEM + Creativity STEM + Data P16 STEM + Tech & Engineering P20 STEM + Health

P22 Next steps

stem for the people

Technology in the hands of those it affects is of utmost importance, says Te Taka Keegan

Nā Tā Pou Temara te kōrero: “He hiranga hangarau, he oranga tangata”; innovation in technology for the benefit of people. To me, this phrase exemplifies how the highest levels of passion and excitement in technology and computer science are ultimately utilised for the benefit of people. For Māori and Indigenous enablers of technology – especially those that are able to incorporate traditional ways of thinking, knowledge and language – the benefits are realised within Māori and Indigenous communities.

The current political environment has manifested new threats to Māori, with challenges to the status of te reo Māori and Māori tino rangatiratanga –Māori authority to control Māori practices and world views for the benefit of Māori. I believe technology offers opportunities for Māori in two key areas: data sovereignty and digital sovereignty. Māori data sovereignty is about Māori having control over Māori data. As described in more depth in this issue, it’s about Māori having inherent rights to collection, ownership and application of Māori data. As technology becomes more ambiguous, data and the control of data becomes more crucial.

But it’s not just the control of data that is important – it’s also the definition of data. Māori must be able to define data from a world view that is relevant to Māori. If Māori are constantly using and reusing data defined by the coloniser, then

m Āori must be able to define data from a world view that is relevant to m Āori”

in essence Māori are enabling data colonisation. However, if Māori can construct and define, or redefine data by what is important to Māori, then we begin to realise the true potential of tino rangatiratanga, or autonomy over data.

This is what Māori digital sovereignty is all about. It’s about Māori creating Māori- relevant data, data storage systems, networks, applications, software and artificial intelligence. Māori do not need to rely on overseas ‘big tech’ to do this. As this issue proves, Māori do have this capability. We are living in exciting times, with a spectrum of exciting people having profound impact.

“He hiringa hangarau, he oranga tangata!”

Te Taka Keegan Associate Professor and Computer Science

Researcher,

University of Waikato

ISSN 2209-1076

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS: Monika Andersen, CSIRO; Susan Beetson, University of Queensland; We-Anda Currie-Liglio, CSIRO; Hinerangi Edwards, AATEA solutions; Jesse King, Aurora Education Foundation; Naomi Manu, Auraki Group; Mahonri Owen, University of Waikato; Aroha Pamona, Auraki Group; Tamina Pitt, Google; Corey Tutt, Deadly Science.

Connected to Country

In Indigenous cultures, everything in nature is connected, including people. If we look after Country, it will look after us

First Nations scientists use ancient laws, knowledge and customs to improve the health of our lands and seas. Environmental scientists, engineers and park rangers help solve problems in ways that benefit the whole ecosystem. Some use Indigenous knowledge to get more out of renewable energy (think solar and wind) and the climate. Then there are others making better laws to protect the environment – encouraging big companies to be greener by adopting Indigenous principles. These jobs show how mixing old and new science can help ensure the planet stays healthy for everyone in the future. – Danika Davis

Animal instincts

Kiwirrkurra rangers blend modern tech with traditional knowledge to save local wildlife

The community of Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia, is home to many endangered species, including the ninu (Bilby) and tjalapa (Great Desert Skink) –both of which are threatened by changed fire regimes and invasive predators such as feral cats and foxes.

In terms of conservation efforts, little is known about these species in the wild, but the locals know a thing or two – with over 65,000 years of knowledge to draw upon – and this is playing out in a very real way with outstanding results.

In 2018, I received a message on one of DeadlyScience’s social media accounts from Timothy O’Farrell, a Ngaanyatjarra Lands School teacher, saying that if we saw the rangers at Kiwirrkurra, we’d be blown away. What an understatement!

Through Rachel Paltridge from the Indigenous Desert Alliance, we discovered a need for resources to help traditional owners take control of monitoring these species. DeadlyScience provided a drone for surveillance of ninu and tjalapa burrows, and trail cameras on identified sites. Mixing modern resources with traditional knowledge has been an incredible collaboration.

Professors Kathy Belov and Carolyn Hogg from the University of Sydney have studied the conservation genetic patterns of wild and captive bilby populations. The work was developed alongside traditional owners, with Kiwirrkurra rangers collecting scat (poo) from ninu, which provided important genetic information.

Sixteen bilbies were found in the southern colony, where Kiwirrkurra rangers used predator-control methods, and nine in the northern colonies. It’s important to work out how they’re going in the wild, especially for maintaining genetic diversity in populations under threat of extinction. This collaboration shows how Western and traditional knowledge can combine to help preserve and protect our species. – Corey Tutt

Continuity of knowledge

Lala

Gutchen works to build, understand and archive language – and today, that means utilising technology

We live in two worlds. Our language is our cultural practice and tells the rest of the world we were here first. We also need the English language to survive and get an education.

My Father and many Elders told me that when some families left the island, they wouldn’t come back. They left for work and to pursue a better life for their families on the mainland. Some of us would hear them speak their language, including Youmpla Tok. Unfortunately, some don’t speak the language anymore, including those of us on Erub Island. However, I have come across many families in the Torres Strait and on the mainland who still hold on to their cultural practices through song and dance. I am now focused on building understanding and archiving our Erub Mer language as a written language for the Erubam and Ugaram people. Our language was only oral in our Ancestors’ time and started to be written down during the arrival of missionaries throughout the Torres Strait in the late 1800s.

Digitising language

I continue the work of my father, who taught at the local primary school in Erub and around the local community with his uncle. My father is one of the few surviving speakers of the Erub Mer language. At the moment, what I do is more on language and culture, teaching children the sound system in language and balancing it with the Australian school language system.

I worked with my grandfather and my dad – I still work with them to this very day – to document language. Through my work with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), we are recording the language and putting it onto a digital platform.

ALNF introduced me to the Living First Languages Platform five years ago through an Aboriginal fella who knew Mob who had used it on the mainland for their language. We were the first to use it in the Torres Strait Islands.

Lala Gutchen first languages program facilitator

Living in Saltwater Country

I originally wanted to become a tugboat skipper or work in the mines. I enjoyed being out in Saltwater Country, but my mum explained to me that I was taking resources from Aboriginal Country. She used cultural knowledge to change my mind.

I studied through Year 11 and Year 12, however as English wasn’t my first language, it was very hard for me. I had jobs offered to me on the mainland because of my cultural knowledge, but I want to be here on Erub Island with my people and ancestors, practising my culture and language. I had my daughter, came home and saw my father transitioning out of teaching.

“I need you or one of your siblings to step up,” he said. And so that’s what I did.

Technology helps a lot when teaching language in a digital world to people all over Australia. I have to adjust everything in language work and put it all on a digital platform. I teach them through technology. That’s how life is – you have to adjust. – Lala Gutchen with Danika Davis

I had jobs offered to me on the mainland because of my cultural knowledge, but I want to be here on Erub Island with my people and my ancestors”

Learn Miriam Mer language sounds through the ‘Feed the monster’ app: livingfirstlanguage.org/feed-the-monster

Language and culture learning from family

Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts, Tropical North Queensland TAFE

Visual Arts, Tropical North Queensland TAFE

Pūtaiao is everything!

The Māori word for science is pūtaiao

It’s not a transliteration, one of those Māorified English words that was made up because when the first outsiders came to our land, bringing with them a whole lot of new tools and concepts, and we didn’t have words for them.

No. Pūtaiao is a Māori word that has its roots in Te Ao Māori, the Māori world.

Pū comes from the word ‘pūtake’ which, according to the Te Aka online Māori dictionary, means cause, reason, origin or source.

Taiao, according to that same dictionary, is “the world, Earth, natural world, environment, nature, country” –everything! So according to me, my ancestors and all of my Māori people, pūtaiao, the Māori word for science, means the origin of everything!

Tamanui-te-rā, the Sun, beat him with a patu – a hand-held weapon that had been imbued with magic – and told him if he didn’t slow down so people could get stuff done during the day, he’d do it again!

Pūtaiao allows me as a Māori person to understand why and how different things happen. Like how when two sticks are rubbed together fire comes out and why the Sun takes 12 hours to travel across the sky.

Our great tīpuna, our ancestor Māui, stole the fingernails of flame from the deity of fire, Mahuika, and as she chased him to get them back, he threw them into the trees and hid them in their branches. That same Māui caught

Te Hamua Nikora presenter, director, rapper

Māui even took the jaw bone of his grandmother, carved it into a hook, cast it off the side of his boat and fished up what we call ‘Te ika-a-Māui’, the fish of Māui – which just happened to be really big – and set up home on it. When outsiders first came to our land, they renamed it ‘North Island’ and that’s what they still call it.– but we know better! Thanks to pūtaiao, the origin of everything, my tīpuna, my Māori ancestors, had words for every part of human anatomy. Why? Well, it’s always good to know what to say at the feast after the battle when the cook asks, “What would you like for lunch today?”

Science didn’t just get to my people when the HMS Endeavour arrived here. Pūtaiao has been with us all the way back to the beginning of time and will still be here long after time itself ends.

Tihei mauriora! – Te Hamua Nikora

He kai kei aku ringa

This translates to ‘there is food at the end of my hands’, which signifies mana motuhake, self-reliance, and the importance of working with the land to provide sustenance.

From a Māori world view, kaitiakitanga, embodying environmental guardianship, is fundamental. It covers land, sea and resource protection, and is grounded in culture, spirituality and knowledge. It is intrinsic to Māori culture, spirituality and traditional knowledge.

Tiakina te taiao, tiakina te tangata – ‘care for the environment and care for the people’ – affirms the bond between protecting nature and ensuring wellbeing for current and future generations. – Amokura Panoho

Medicines made accessible

Makayla Kahi is researching a natural alternative to beta blockers to reduce blood pressure

Until the Pūhoro STEMM Academy came to my school, I didn’t like science. But seeing all the different aspects and their connection to mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) made me want to step into the STEMM world.

I went on a trip to Houston with Pūhoro STEMM Academy, which included a visit to NASA, and from there I signed up to check out the opportunities available via the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme. None of my whānau (family) had gone to university and it was a big step when I decided to choose a pathway that would lead to medicine.

The concept of tauutuutu means to emphasise balance, reciprocity and the symbiosis in our social and environmental relationships. This summer, I worked with scientists on a plant that supposedly has antihypertensive properties.

There is not a lot of research on hypertension in Māori. The only way we can identify hypertension in our whānau is by going to the doctor or when there’s a complication like a stroke or heart attack. Presently, we use beta blockers as medicine to reduce blood pressure, but they can have side effects, so our people stop taking them.

Our tests showed this plant and new technology can help us monitor hypertension more effectively in a way that is accessible to Māori.

I’d love to see us go back to the ways of our tupuna (ancestors) – where we could grow it in our backyard – to reduce cardiovascular disease in our people.

– Makayla Kahi with Amokura Panoho

P Ū horo tutor lead, P Ū horo STEMM Academy

Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery, The University of Auckland

Summer research intern, P Ū tahi Manawa Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand

Makayla Kahi medical researcher

Indigenous science

Meet three Indigenous scientists using culture to supercharge their research

#1

Smart solutions

My parents knew the importance of fostering a connection with the land of our ancestors, so my sister and I spent every school holiday on my grandfather’s farm in Waitomo. He always indulged my curiosity, explaining how things worked.

At school I saw how science could answer questions about the natural world and ended up completing a Master of Science with a major in biochemistry. I’ve since done a lot of study in te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori, the language and knowledge of my people.

Now I work for AgResearch, a Crown Research Institute developing solutions that stem from both mātauranga Māori and science. One current project meshes traditional Māori planting practices based around the Māori lunar cycle with Western-based agricultural science. The aim is to improve both the productivity of the farm, as well as care for natural resources in a holistic way. Kaupapa Māori and science is important to me, so I feel blessed to do work that is both personally and professionally rewarding. My advice for any career is not to leave anything about your identity at the door. Bring it all – it is wonderful, unique and will only strengthen the world of STEM and kaupapa Māori. – Ariana Estoras with Cassie Hart

I get to combine things I love and that are part of my identity, and make sure M Āori have better access to research and science”

#2

Creating meaningful change Ariana Estoras research director

Iwasborn in Switzerland but grew up in Feilding – a typical student without a strong academic focus. I was lucky to become part of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy in Year 11 and my science and environmental conservation journey began. Mentored by Māori leaders, I pursued environmental studies, focusing on water quality and pest eradication. These areas, critical to the restoration and preservation of native species, have become the cornerstone of my work.

An overseas trip in 2018 exposed me to global Indigenous conservation practices, profoundly influencing my approach. Post-degree, I moved to Papamoa, working with Iwi and hapū-led conservation projects. Currently, I’m advancing my education with a master’s degree, aiming to merge Indigenous wisdom with modern science to achieve sustainable environmental solutions.

My work is a blend of fieldwork, project management, community engagement and mentoring, driven by a mission to empower communities, enhance biodiversity and foster ecological harmony. I’m committed to making a tangible difference, leveraging collaboration, innovation and education to support ecological balance – one project, community and ecosystem at a time. – Meschka Seifritz with Amokura Panoho

Agricultural analyst, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Master of science (Biochemistry), Otago University

Research officer, Imperial College, UK

Heke M Ātauranga M Ā ori, Te W Ā nanga o Raukawa

Director M Ā ori research and partnerships, AgResearch

Senior M Ā ori partnerships advisor, Ministry for Primary Industries

Going green

Cliodhna Maguire works as a First Nation youth community greening officer at the Botanic Gardens of sydney while mentoring for CSIRO’s Deadly in Generation STEM program

LCliodhna Maguire first nations youth community greening officer

focusing on environmental communication and cultural practices at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. I educate young people and help them connect back to Country by getting their hands dirty and learning outside.

Connecting culture and ecology

ike many people in STEM careers, I started with a love for nature. In high school, I grew passionate about animal safety and was really climate-conscious. That led me to do vet science while still in high school. From there, I got an internship in Thailand, reintegrating Thai elephants back into semi-wild habitats. While I was over there, the 2019 bushfires happened and I realised I wanted to be more involved in Country back in Australia. When I returned, I did a TAFE course in conservation and land management, finding my pathway to STEM through tertiary education, work experience and great mentors.

Get

mentored

I had someone reach out to me to volunteer as a Deadly in Generation STEM camp mentor. The CSIRO-run program aims to boost engagement and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM pathways through connection to culture on Country.

I now work as an outreach educator – a First Nations youth community greening officer,

Some people in my generation are disconnected because of our past, but I feel like we’re coming back and sharing with each other and Country.

Before I entered this space, the only connection I had with my culture was through family and, once I started getting into conservation and Australian ecology, I began to explore what it means to be Aboriginal – to me. It was an opportunity to really connect and learn from other knowledge holders.

Some advice I would give to young Mob looking to get into STEM careers is that you can learn so many skills along the way. Be curious and passionate – it’s so important for your enjoyment. STEM is a big part of our modern world but it’s also a big part of our cultural heritage. –CliodhnaMaguirewith

JainaMcIntyre

i educate young people and help them connect back to country”

Field officer, National Parks and Wildlife Services

Diploma of Sustainable Living, University of Tasmania

Permaculture farm worker, Green Connect

in Conservation and Land Management, TAFE

First Nations youth community greening officer, Botanic Gardens of sydney

Planet science

Science is so much more than you think

Talking science

Keely Perry translates groundbreaking science research, making it accessible to all

I’m a fifth-generation cattle farmer from Longreach. Cattle work is fast-paced and it’s not always safe. Sometimes I’m working with Mum, Dad and other family, and have to slot into a team and work well with them. It’s made me adaptable and flexible.

I’m also a talker! I was very sociable as a kid. It’s a skill to talk to anyone of any background across a multidisciplinary team. You need to meet them on level footing and be respectful.

Taking part in CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy helped me progress my speaking skills. The Academy provided a community for us young women when we felt isolated in our studies. It involved meetings and education, but also opportunities to explore our own interests and step out of our comfort zones. The opportunities I facilitated and took part in gave me the confidence to navigate industry and university. The Academy has always been supportive of us developing the skills we want.

keely perry research assistant

They allowed me to choose, but also get better in asking and making space for myself.

Translating research into plain speak

At the moment, I’m working on a project for the National Indigenous Science Translation Centre (NISTC). Part of my job is to translate everything we do, research-wise, for all our industry and business partners. I act as that middle person who’s making sure everyone’s on the same level and understanding what’s going on, independent of our backgrounds and education.

Other days I’m in the lab. I’m working on a finger lime project where all I do is pop finger lime pearls, because… science. We’re working out their mechanical properties to give growers the best possible product.

As a buzz word, STEM can sound specific to science, maths, engineering or technology, but there are so many degrees under the STEM umbrella that allow you to do the things you enjoy. –KeelyPerrywithDanikaDavis

part of my job is to translate everything we do, research-wise”

Research assistant, University of Queensland

Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons), University of Queensland

Cattle work, Family cattle farm

Creating your place

Brittany Carter is a Wiradjuri woman working with the CSIRO’s biology team

Growing up, learning was really encouraged and Mum worked really hard to support us and our education. In Year 11 and 12, I was doing biology and chemistry and got hooked on genetics. That led me to studying human genetics at uni. I was the first person in my family to go to university, so I had no idea what to expect. It wasn’t what I originally thought it was and that made it hard to stay motivated.

Finding your place

During my first year out of uni, I felt stuck. My friend had just completed her Bachelor of Science in zoology and was starting her honours. Because I’ve always liked animals, I thought I’d give that a go. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Science (Zoology), then a Master of Science (Zoology) at the University of Melbourne.

I was studying a species of lizard, but discovered I didn’t want to be a research scientist – I’m not a big public speaker and realised it could be a big part of my role. I moved to Canberra and studied a Master of Science Communication at the Australian National University. I also worked in science outreach and education for a few years. My job at CSIRO is different to anything I’ve done so far. I’m working on highlighting Indigenous peoples’ contributions to biological collections and embedding their voices and views. Though it wasn’t what I thought I’d be doing, I feel I’m able to help make a difference, especially with all the skills and knowledge I’ve gained. If I could tell young people anything, it’s that STEM careers aren’t all lab coats and microscopes. There are so many jobs out there that come under STEM and many different pathways to get there.

– Brittany Carter with Jaina McIntyre

CREATIVE CAREERS

Into music, arts or design? There are so many careers that combine tech with creativity and culture

Speak your mind

Dre Ngatokorua is a deadly digital storyteller and broadcaster who uses his voice to

Igrew up listening to my mum, an artist, telling me the stories of the artworks she was painting. They weren’t like the descriptions you see in galleries –they were full journeys. That was my inspiration for my digital storytelling.

I also learn and preserve language through digital storytelling with my nannas, aunties and uncles. I go with my uncles to the Flinders Ranges on Country and they point out the hills and mountains. We go to the story places. It makes everything so much more real. In my work I’m brought back to that place where I find peacefulness, thinking back to being on Country. I find peace and relaxation and put that emotion into work.

Digital storytelling is an art form. I use animation along with paintings and recordings of my voice for narration. I also use music. With these combined, you get an emotional feeling as well as a visual one. It’s like watching the painting as it’s being done. Doing 3D design in school helped me. That and English and art. There is a science in how you connect all the pieces.

Working at a community radio station

I did a traineeship while I was at school with Umeewarra Radio – the second-oldest Indigenous community radio station in Australia. After school I did an Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) course online, which helped me to learn how you structure and plan a project. As a community radio station, we are obliged to get the right education and information to the community. At the start of the COVID pandemic the government sent us a script to play, but after talking to the local community

we worked out some Mob didn’t understand it. Working with my aunties and uncles, we talked to the government and said, “This is an emergency and it has to be written in the way we can translate it.” We wrote a new script and translated it for Mob in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands) language – and the government approved it. Many other radio services played our translation. Our script even got onto national radio! I took opportunities as they came up and gave things a go. I never knew where it would take me. It’s important to get different views, put in hard work and learn from others. I know that young people’s thoughts can dominate them – some kids think they’re not good enough. But take each day one by one. Trust your gut and remember that you’re deadly. – Dre Ngatokorua with Danika Davis

In my work, I’m brought back to that place where I find peacefulness, thinking back to being on Country”

Culture of creativity

From an early age, I loved art, especially drawing, and hoped that I could make it into a career. My parents really encouraged me to follow my passion and in 2019 I started a Certificate in Creative Media at Yoobee Colleges. I really loved the animation side of things, so I kept studying, before completing a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) at the Ara Institute.

I like to draw on my cultural background for inspiration in both my personal projects as well as my day job. My current job at Ariki Creative provides the perfect opportunity to express myself,

as they have a cultural background.

Māori (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou) and Chinese cultures are both known for their creativity, so it feels like a natural extension to be doing this work, expressing myself and my culture in my art and career.

Working in design

I like to draw on my cultural background for inspiration in both my personal projects as well as my day job”

Patience and resilience have been really important, because people can either love or hate your work. Learning how not to take that criticism personally was key and the ability to do that grows over time, just like your skills. The only barriers in this kind of work are the ones you put up for yourself. —TeWaiFongwithCassieHart TeWaidesignedthisissue’sartwork.

Te Wai Fong combines her passion for art with tech skills in 3D animation and design

Diploma in Digital Design (level 6), Yoobee Colleges

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design), Ara Institute Digital apprentice, Ariki Creative

Certificate in Creative Media (Level 4), Yoobee Colleges

Diploma in Film and Animation (Level 5), Yoobee Colleges

Diploma in 3D Animation (Level 6), Yoobee Colleges

Te Wai fong

Understanding Indigenous data

Indigenous data sovereignty has serious cultural impact

Getting data skills

Working with Indigenous data sovereignty doesn’t just mean having technical skills. Your data career could be in healthcare, education, environmental management or technology. Plenty of skills are useful in this job, like research, science, policy, law, community engagement and many more.

To match your skills and interests with a career in data, start by identifying your strengths.

Are you detail-oriented, analytical and curious?

Do you have a strong sense of justice and an interest in ethical practices?

Are you passionate about technology and its ability to drive positive change?

You might just find yourself in an interesting future career that’s driving big change.

Data is information that is collected to tell a story about a person or group of people. These stories help systems like schools and hospitals, and infrastructure like buildings and parks change to suit who we are and how we live. And, depending on who controls that data, it can affect how that story is told.

What is Indigenous data?

Indigenous data is information or knowledge that’s about or could affect Indigenous people. Some say Indigenous Australians are up there with the most researched in the world. However, in the past, Indigenous data has been controlled by others instead of the people it affects. That’s changing with Indigenous data sovereignty. Indigenous data sovereignty is about First Nations communities having the right to create, access, own and manage their data. It’s also about their right to use it, regardless of who holds the data or where it is. This allows stories about Indigenous peoples to be presented in a way that’s true and culturally appropriate.

The Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute collaborated to create some principles for Indigenous data sovereignty. First Peoples from around Australia agreed at a summit in 2018 on the rights to:

• Control of the data ecosystem, including creation, development, stewardship, analysis, dissemination and infrastructure

• Data that is contextual and disaggregated (available and accessible at individual, community and First Nations levels)

• Data that is relevant and empowers sustainable self-determination and effective self-governance

• Data structures that are accountable to Indigenous Peoples

• Data that is protective and respects First Nations’ individual and collective interests.

Living data

In New Zealand, Māori data sovereignty recognises that Māori rules and structures should govern Māori data.

“My data is a living essence, it tells the story genetically about where I’ve come from, who I am – about my whakapapa, right down to my belief,” says Dickie Farrar, chief executive of the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board. Te Mana Raraunga is the Māori Data Sovereignty Network. They say Māori data sovereignty helps with Māori wellbeing by:

• Asserting Māori rights and interests in relation to data

• Ensuring data for and about Māori can be safeguarded and protected

• Requiring the quality and integrity of Māori data and its collection

• Advocating for Māori involvement in governance of data repositories

• Supporting development of Māori data infrastructure and security

• Supporting development of sustainable Māori digital businesses and innovations. – Danika Davis

From high school maths to data science at YouTube

Hautahi Kingi his economics studies, moving into research and data science at Facebook and Google

Raisedon my marae (meeting grounds) near Whanganui, I discovered data science through a passion for maths. I studied maths and science at Victoria University, Wellington and joined a mentoring whānau (group) for Māori and Pasifika science students.

Growing up, the opportunities in science weren’t obvious to me, though I have strong whānau so it was important to see brown faces in lab coats.

In 2011, I got accepted into Cornell University the US and did my PhD in economics. I then got a job as a policy economist in Washington, DC, working on a lot of statistics and computational modelling.

In 2020, I made the jump from research to tech. And yeah, it’s kind of a change in industry, but the skills are pretty much the same. I mean, statistics are statistics. From there, I have ended up at Google, living in New York. Before Google, I was at Facebook and helped create scholarship for Māori students to get into digital marketing. I’m also involved in improving

the fairness of recommendation algorithms and helping prevent misinformation on YouTube.

A big part of designing these systems is ensuring they are pointed in the right direction with safety rails around them. Google and YouTube throw a lot of resources at that.

Another reason it’s cool to work as a data scientist is that people come from all sorts of different backgrounds, from physicists to political scientists and linguists. The one thing we have in common is we like maths! – Hautahi Kingi with Amokura Panoho

Hautahi Kingi data scientist

MAKE IT WORK

Working in technology and engineering opens up so many ways to change the world

Shooting for the stars

Ihave always had a natural curiosity for understanding how everything works. This inspired me to study engineering. I’m studying a double degree and working part-time, so my week is typically split between uni and being an intern at Boeing. At uni, I attend lectures, practicals, tutorials and spend time in the Indigenous Unit. There are lots of events all the time where I get to meet other Indigenous students and this has helped me build my support system.

At Boeing, I work with a diverse team who are all encouraging. My favourite thing to do is code new programs or draw new designs. I’m also a mentor at the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, an initiative that provides

a supportive environment for young Indigenous women to explore and excel in STEM fields.

Engineering your future

Connecting my engineering expertise with my culture involves incorporating a holistic perspective into problem-solving, recognising the importance of sustainability, considering the diverse needs of communities and having a deep respect for our land.

My advice for young Indigenous people looking to get into STEM is to seek out mentors who can appreciate the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and STEM. – Greta Stephensen with Louise Meers

Mentor, Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, CSIRO

ori mechanical design

Inhigh school, I heard there was a shortage of plumbers, so thought I’d l do that. When I started at the Pūhoro STEMM Academy though, my eyes were opened to other STEM careers.

My first wānanga (tertiary study) was in engineering. We were given a variety of motors, extrusions and 3D-printed parts and had to come up with ways to use them. I enjoyed this so much that I decided to pursue a career in engineering.

I’m currently finishing a Master of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waikato. My thesis focuses on improving the quality of life for upperlimb amputees. To achieve this, I developed a variety of prosthetic hands, investigated two different neural interfaces (EMG and EEG) used as control systems and explored the value mātauranga Māori can provide to the development of prosthetics.

Our ancestors were the original scientists and engineers. They built waka (canoes) to traverse the ocean and navigated their way to Aotearoa by the stars. We have so much potential in the area of STEM to tap into. – Luke August with Cassie Hart

jack reis cyber security specialist

Excellence in business

Asa kid, I wanted to be a sports star. I was signed to the Sydney Roosters at age 17 but, two years later, I had an injury and couldn’t play anymore. I studied banking and finance at university and started a career in banking.

Working in government and business, I knew I wanted my own company. Then an opportunity landed in my lap: cyber security.

Five years ago, when I started Baidam Solutions, I couldn’t name any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CEO or CIOs. I wanted to create ‘the role model of cyber’ and find the Johnathan Thurston – the JT – of IT. I learnt cyber security by working in it. A lot of schools are introducing IT into their classes but, to be frank, we look for kids who are curious. Know how to use an iPhone or play an Xbox? You’re on your way.

We’ve had 60,000 years of threat hunting – of protecting our community. It’s innate to us. We just need to apply this to protecting our resources and our data.

It’s okay not to know where you’ll end up. My advice? Trust the process, trust your heart and be patient.

– Jack Reis with Danika Davis

PhD, The University of Waikato

Master of Engineering, The University of Waikato

EEG and EMG Prosthetic Hand Development Internship

Bachelor of Engineering, The University of Canterbury

Engineering with PŪhoro STEMM Academy

Roosters

Finding your path

I’m a security engineer at Google. I work in detection and response, which are part of the frontline for cyber security at Google. I’m a proud Larrakia, Wadjigan and Arabunna woman from the Northern Territory. I am also a high school drop-out, and took an unconventional path to my dream career. If you want to pursue a career in technology, it’s absolutely an option – even if your story is unconventional like mine. There are numerous paths not limited to a university education. There are many free, high-quality resources such as eDX and similar websites which offer free online computer science courses and you can pay a small fee to get certified. If you want to go to university, it’s a great way to get known to industry and a fantastic entry point. If you don’t have the grades, you can do an alternative-entry program as a First Nations Australian, or you can start as a mature-age student. If you love what you do, give it 100 per cent and doors will open. If technology is your passion, you can carve a path however you see fit. Follow the beat of your own drum. Don’t let other people tell you what you can or can’t do. First Nations Australians have always had to disprove negative stereotypes, but we are resilient and self-determining. Despite being a minority, frequently in defiance of the odds, we are often groundbreaking contributors to our industries. The world is your oyster! – Candice Bowditch

Bachelor of Computer Science, RMIT

Graduate information security advisor, Thales

Making fusion a reality

Asa kid, I always wanted to understand the world around me and when I looked around for role models, it seemed to be people in white coats in labs, which didn’t really feel like me. I’d later find out that chemists wear white coats and what I really wanted to be was a physicist.

My grandmother, the late Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira, was pivotal to the revival of te reo Māori and her legacy has been an inspiration. If she could do that, what is the measure of what you can do in a single life?

When I set about tackling a seemingly impossible problem in fusion energy, I used her legacy as a blueprint. Saving te reo Māori wasn’t done via an app, AI or government intervention – it was people coming together to protect what was important to them. We’re trying to do the same with OpenStar: make fusion energy a reality by building our first fusion reactor prototype.

The wisdom held in the sciences doesn’t belong to any one group of people. The knowledge is your knowledge. It’s all there for you. – Ratu Mataira

Cyber security intern, Westpac SecurityGoogleengineer,

CSIRO Indigenous Computer Science Cadetship

Software developer, Cydarm Technologies

Dr Ratu Mataira Nuclear physicist and Founder,technologiesOpenStar

jared smith software engineer

Tech trailblazer

Jared Smith’s out-of-the-box pathway into STEM has led him to software engineering at Google

During high school, I developed a keen interest in STEM and tried to attend pretty much every STEM-related camp in Australia. I learnt about all the different areas of STEM, gained long-lasting friendships and mentors, and got to speak with experts from just about every field. Ultimately, in Year 10, I vowed to become an aerospace engineer and work at NASA.

Since I knew that I would need better grades to achieve my goal, I decided to move from a performing arts high school to a more academically focused school. I applied to a few different academic selective high schools and was accepted by Sydney Boys’, where I became the first Indigenous student in decades. I saw that Google was holding a careers expo in their Sydney office and there I met Derek Harte, the internships program lead for APAC. We stayed in touch throughout my final year of high school and he got me thinking about a career in tech. After school, I studied a Bachelor of Software Engineering at UNSW. I applied for a Google STEP internship, came back for a couple more software engineering internships, then successfully converted to full-time software engineering this year, working on Google Maps.

All the support

I’ve been fortunate to receive scholarships throughout the years that removed financial obstacles standing in my way. The GO Foundation paid for my high school fees and then, along with the Shalom Gamarada program, funded me to live on campus at UNSW. These organisations did a lot more than just give monetary assistance, they also provided me with a support network and community of other Indigenous people in places where there often aren’t any.

As Indigenous professionals, we often have two major responsibilities: succeeding in our careers and giving back to the younger generation. That’s why I hope my story and experiences can help inspire others. – Jared Smith with Louise Meers

i hope my story and experiences can help inspire others”

HEALTHY START

Making an impact

Rawiri Manley is working hard towards his goal of qualifying in medicine and advocating for culturally safe practice in health

Embarking on a journey in the health sector was a decision rooted in my cultural background. Growing up in a Māori community, I witnessed first-hand the disparities and unique health challenges we face.

However, in my first year at university, I didn’t make it – I left and worked a whole lot of casual jobs. A few years later, I decided to give it another go and now I’m in my second year of medicine. When my father experienced a heart attack, it affected me deeply. Witnessing his struggle solidified my desire to pursue medicine – to make those moments for whānau (family) a bit easier.

My days are filled with rigorous study; they start early and are packed with lectures, labs and hours of revision. The pathway is far from glamorous, but the potential to bring change makes the challenge worth it.

Bachelor

My journey is about embracing my Māori heritage and ensuring that it’s represented and respected within the medical field. The science of medicine may seem distant from our cultural practices, but I see it as an opportunity to integrate and advocate for culturally safe practices. By being present in these spaces, I aim to be part of the future of Māori health professionals and ensure our voice is heard and valued. – Rawiri Manley with Amokura Panoho

Bachelor of Medicine, The University of Auckland

Summer research assistant, P Ū tahi Manawa

Pou Whakarite, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand

Policy analyst intern, Ministry for the Environment / Manat Ū m Ō te Taiao

of Science, Massey University

Nursing courage

Nikora Wade uses his skills and strengths to give back to community

Iwasbrought up where the values of manaakitanga (care and respect), kotahitanga (unity), whakawhanaungatanga (relationships) and kaitiakitanga (custodianship of the land, sky and sea) were shown to me. They have been my superpower.

It was in Year 11 that I started to think about the impact that I wanted to have in this world.

I started seeing other issues in my teenage years, not just losing my nans and koros (grandpas) through ill health. I started losing my mates through suicide. For me, I wanted to change the ‘why’ that is causing it.

I had this dream to be a doctor, but also this imposter syndrome which led me to do nursing. Initially, I sucked at writing essays, but I was getting As in the personal interaction with patients. That gave me the confidence to knuckle down and develop those technical skills, as well as build a network to help me achieve my goals.

Nursing school was the place where I fostered my ability to use my vulnerability to help strengthen other people.

The trick with your korowai aroha (cloak of love and support) is to realise that it’s never a one-way relationship, you can never just take from other people and you can never just give as well.

– Nikora Wade with Amokura Panoho

Challenging norms

Akuira Whaanga wants to improve the statistics on poor oral health for M Ā ori

Mytwin sister, Maioha, and I transitioned from a small wharekura (school) to Tauranga Girls’ High School, with over 1500 students, where our passion for science strengthened. Initially, we were both inclined towards medicine, then I discovered dentistry through a high school program, a path further encouraged by my mother and a two-year church mission.

The decision to pursue dentistry over medicine wasn’t easy, as I was accepted into both fields. But then my husband, James – who, along with my sister, was studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – and I recognised the pressing need for more Māori representation in the dental industry.

My time at dental school has been a period of growth, marked by feelings of isolation as a Māori

student in an under-represented field. Rather than holding me back, these experiences drove me to advocate for change and greater diversity. Serving as the educational representative for the Ngā Mokai o Ngā Whetu/Māori Dental Students Association, I found a voice and a platform to foster change. I am now into my third year of a five-year program, navigating the demanding life of a dental student, and leaning heavily on my support system. My family, the grounding presence of my faith and a disciplined daily routine are my pillars of strength. They are crucial in maintaining my focus, especially when balancing academic responsibilities with personal wellbeing. I believe in the power of interpersonal skills, approachability and reliability in the field of dentistry. By sharing my pride for my culture in this environment, I want to inspire others to see themselves in this sector contributing to Māori oral health. – Akuira Whaanga with Amokura Panoho

University of Otago Dental School

Ng Ā Mokai o Ng Ā Whetu –M Ā ori Dental Students Association

Church mission

Bachelor of Nursing, University of Auckland

Active in Kapa Haka

Marae upbringing

Bachelor of Medicine / Surgery, University of Auckland

Award for outstanding achievement in the Bachelor of Nursing degree

Akuira Whaanga dental student

Where to next?

Australia

CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy gives young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women the tools and support to succeed in a STEM career. bit.ly/CSIRO_YIWSA

Deadly in Generation STEM helps students gain a deeper awareness of STEM pathways alongside continued connection to culture on Country, and the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. bit.ly/CSIRO_DIGS

DeadlyScience is a not-for-profit organisation that provides STEM resources and learning experiences to regional and remote schools in Australia. deadlyscience.org.au

GO Foundation offers scholarships for Indigenous students while at school and university. gofoundation.org.au

Shalom Gamarada is an Indigenous residential scholarship program. shalomgamarada.org

Aurora Education Foundation for scholarships and programs. aurorafoundation.com.au

New Zealand

Pūhoro increases Māori participation in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and mātauranga Māori). Pūhoro is a ‘by Māori’, ‘for Māori’ and ‘with Māori’ capability pipeline into STEMM across the secondary, tertiary and industry sectors. puhoro.org.nz

The Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) is designed to help students enter health professions. bit.ly/MAPAS_UA

AUT STEM Camp is a four-day, three-night camp designed to empower Year 13 Māori and Pacific students through STEM. aut.ac.nz/study/stem-camp

Get inspired by Māori research and innovation at the Kanapu channel: vimeo.com/kanapu

Discover free bilingual resources – rauemi reorua – at kaupapa.co.nz/reorua-bilingualresource

Puāwai Pūrau Academy is a Wairarapa-based STEM academy for Māori students. The program is designed to empower rangatahi Māori to embrace the scientific world and ‘dream big’. kiaorahauora.co.nz

Genesis Energy Ngā Ara Creating Pathways Program believes inspiring rangatahi Māori is integral to New Zealand’s lowcarbon future. The program creates transformational education, training and employment opportunities to prepare young people in local communities for the future of work. bit.ly/CwSgenesis

The Ko Māui Hangarau program is a high-powered summit featuring some of the best Māori tech innovators and entrepreneurs from around the country. Ko Māui Hangarau aims to awaken, inspire and ignite rangatahi into pathways in tech, innovation and entrepreneurship. kmh.nz

You

play? You can code

Have you always wondered why the All Blacks beat Australia? Played sports before or been a part of a team? If you have, you can code

The patterns that you practise when you do a line of code are the patterns you follow your whole life and if you can do this on a sports field, you can do it learning programming. In teams, we have patterns that we play and run – the draw-and-pass. Similarly in programming, one of the most used functions in code is the IF-ELSE statement. Here’s how that plays out as a pattern in sports:

• Player 1 runs across the field. IF no-one is there, THEN they score.

• IF Player 1 runs for a try and there’s opposition in the way – they have two options: pass to Player 2 and she scores, OR pass to Player 3, who goes behind the defenders. IF Player 2 can go behind the defender, THEN they can score, ELSE Player 3 can make their run and score the try.

This second scenario is the same way that an IF-ELSE statement works in programming.

IF-ELSE statements are widely used in coding languages such as Javascript/Python. IF someone uses a close button, THEN the ad ends, ELSE the ad keeps playing. In the same way, the player can close the game against the opposition. – Arpo Deer with Heather Catchpole