Relational ethics in Indigenous research:a reflexive navigation of whiteness and ally positionality

In this article, we discuss Sámi/Indigenous research ethics from the perspectives of positionality and relationality. The article builds on and draws from two ongoing PhD studies by white, Nordic euro-western doctoral candidates conducting research in the sphere of Indigenous research. Through a reflexive framework, we depict the ongoing process of decolonizing our practice as researchers and moving toward a relational ethics, a process of self-reflection we suggest is necessary for non-Indigenous researchers doing research that involves or affects Indigenous people. We aim to contribute to the development of Sámi research ethics for the wider public to consider and offer this article particularly to early stage researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and educators in Indigenous studies.