Research Vision
The Ānako Indigenous Research Institute is committed to supporting ethical and meaningful research practices as they relate to Indigenous participants and communities. We strive to assist in the respectful and reciprocal nature of Indigenous Research Methodologies and their effective practice. By ensuring adherence to the Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) Principles, we aim to support researchers in establishing meaningful connections with Indigenous communities in a good and respectful way.
Through our work, we aim to strengthen connections within and beyond our community, promoting a collaborative research approach that honours Indigenous ways of knowing and being. We invite you to explore our past projects and summaries, which showcase our values through successful partnerships and initiatives.
Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Contemporary Research
At Ānako, we prioritize community-driven research, placing the voices and perspectives of Indigenous communities at the forefront, promoting the use of methodologies that integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary research methods, Key elements of this approach include:
Participatory Research: Engaging communities throughout the research process is essential. This approach, including Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR), shifts the balance of power to the voice of the community, fostering co-learning and capacity building for all participants involved.
Positionality and Reflexivity: It is crucial to understand the researcher’s positionality and impact on the research process. This involves acknowledging and addressing the complexities of colonization, assimilation, and oppression, and ensuring respectful and culturally sensitive engagement with Indigenous communities. (SpringerLink).
Relational Ethical Space: Creating a relational ethical space is vital for meaningful engagement. This includes incorporating physical, spiritual, and procedural practices that ground the research in the perspectives of the community context, promoting ethical relationships and collaborative learning (Emerald). You can read the Indigenous Spiritual Practices Protection resource page to how these procedures are used in practice.
Trauma-Informed and Decolonized Approaches:
Research and education must recognize and address the historical trauma and cultural repression experienced by Indigenous peoples and a trauma-informed approach or a trauma lens that can allow us to see the effect colonial structures have had on a whole generation of peoples. Carleton’s decolonization and reconciliation efforts are forefronted by our Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement at Carleton University which is offering a Kinàmàgawin Indigenous Learning Certificate. If you are interested in deepening your understanding and becoming involved in these vital topics, this series offers a unique opportunity to learn about anti-Indigenous racism, institutional challenges, Indigenous student experiences, and allyship.
Strengths-Based Perspectives: Focusing on the strengths and resilience of Indigenous communities rather than deficits ensures a positive and empowering research process. This subtle shift in perspective highlights the community’s assets and strength in unity and identifies opportunities for growth and potential solutions to challenges.