Authenticity in capacity-building for neuroscience: Indigenous scholarship, teaching, and care

Despite a global push to recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge systems to science and scientific research, neuroscience has largely remained embedded in Western and Eurocentric ways of knowing and doing. Major contributors to this phenomenon include the low representation of Indigenous Peoples in the neurosciences worldwide that stems, at least in part, from a long-standing neglect of Indigeneity in Western academic institutions. Past experiences with exploitation where Indigenous Peoples have historically been treated as subjects to be studied and not collaborative partners to be respected has further compounded the problem. Support systems to recruit and retain Indigenous People as neuroscientists, neurologists, and psychiatrists among others have evolved over time in response, but success is still limited. Inclusive and non-exploitive capacity building is therefore a needed key strategy to entwine Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into neuroscience research and training, and diversify and authentically strengthen research and clinical care strategies.