Historically, research on Indigenous communities has often been a violent process through which Western academics have entered Indigenous communities and extracted knowledge for their own gain with little care or concern for the health, needs, or wants of Indigenous peoples (Chilisa, 2019, & Smith, 2010). Through these processes, Indigenous ways of knowing were also positioned as inferior to Western forms of knowledge production (Smith, 2010). In response to this violence, ethical guidelines and Indigenous research methodologies have emerged as a means of asserting Indigenous rights, agency, and ways of knowing through the research process (Weber-Pillwax, 2001).
Indigenous Research Ethics Board (IREB) at Carleton University
The Indigenous Research Ethics Board (IREB) at Carleton University is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of ethical oversight in research involving Indigenous peoples. The IREB is a little different in structure than a traditional Research Ethics Board (REB). Carleton’s IREB board members are comprised of Indigenous Faculty and community members whereas a traditional REB has a set board. Some of our Indigenous Ethics board members will change, bridging community members, representatives, and members of the faculty into the Ethics review process depending on the nature of the proposal.
The Board is guided by the principles outlined in Chapter 9: Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, falling under the Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS 2 (2022). The Policy underscores the importance of conducting research that is responsive and respectful to the needs and values of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. which emphasizes a respect-based framework that upholds the dignity, rights and cultural integrity of Indigenous participants.
Adherence to OCAP® Principles
The (IREB) also embodies the OCAP® Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession in its approach to reviewing research projects. The Board ensures that all research involving Indigenous knowledge or communities upholds the fundamental right of these communities ownership over their cultural knowledge and data. This approach empowers Indigenous communities to maintain control over the research processes and decisions that impact them, ensuring that their consent and preferences guide the usage and dissemination of any information gathered.
Furthermore, the IREB stresses the importance of clear, agreed-upon protocols to access the data, thereby respecting the rights that allow communities to manage, protect, and oversee the possession and handling of the information. Overall fostering a research environment that respects Indigenous knowledge systems and facilitates collaborative, community-engaged projects within and beyond the walls of Carleton.
Promoting Ethical and Collaborative Research
Contextual understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being in contemporary contexts can inform the researcher as to how Indigenous research has been conducted in the historical past. For example, where research was conducted ‘on’ Indigenous participants rather than ‘with’ Indigenous participants. We aim to provide Ānako Researchers with the proper resources to approach the topic of ethics in Indigenous research with a deeper understanding, and a broader, more vigilant perspective when faced with nuanced ethical considerations.
The Ānako Indigenous Research Institute encourages all researchers interested in engaging with Indigenous communities to uphold these responsibilities and guidelines. Continue to follow these dropdown menus if you’re curious and are asking “ Is my proposal considered Indigenous Research?” and proceed with the “Researcher Intake Form”.