Dewemaagannag/My Relations: Research guide

Introduction

In this guide, we expand on the Dewemaagannag/My Relations: Indigenous Engagement Guide (2023) to reflect on how universities and non-Indigenous researchers and students can honour relationships with Indigenous partners by respecting research principles of different Indigenous groups. Through this guide, we emphasize community engagement, partnership, research ethics and data sovereignty.

This guide was created to:

• Build Concordia’s capacity for ethical and mutually beneficial research partnerships with Indigenous communities, collectives, organizations and individuals.
• Support Indigenous-led and community-based research.
• Promote collaborative research that responds to Indigenous priorities and creates meaningful impact.
• Support the co-generation of knowledge that is of direct use to Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Encourage non-Indigenous researchers to reflect on their motivations, responsibilities and approaches to working with Indigenous communities.

Methodologies

The guide draws on Indigenous methodologies and centres relational accountability: building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, reciprocity and collective benefit.

It encourages non-Indigenous researchers to:

• Recognize historical and ongoing systemic barriers in academic and research spaces.
• Respect Indigenous self-determination and the research principles of different Indigenous Nations and groups.
• Centre Indigenous priorities, worldviews, expertise and ways of knowing.
• Support Indigenous-led research and Indigenous research methodologies.
• Promote collaboration, co-learning, capacity building and empowerment.
• Take a strength-based approach that recognizes Indigenous resilience, knowledge and community priorities.

Why do we need this guide?

The guide responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Concordia’s commitment to decolonizing research through its Indigenous Directions Action Plan.

Research involving Indigenous Peoples continues to be largely conducted by non-Indigenous researchers, creating potential power imbalances and risks of extractive research. The guide brings together Indigenous-informed practices to help researchers develop more respectful, ethical and reciprocal approaches.

Who is it for?

The guide is primarily for non-Indigenous researchers and students seeking to work respectfully with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, communities and organizations in a research context.

A summary of the guide

A brief history of Western research and Indigenous Peoples

Western research involving Indigenous Peoples has a history of extractive and harmful practices. Research often served colonial interests, while Indigenous knowledges, cultures and worldviews were misrepresented, appropriated or erased.

Understanding this history helps researchers recognize the power imbalances and mistrust that can shape relationships between Indigenous communities and research institutions today.

Contemporary Indigenous research

Indigenous scholars and communities have challenged colonial approaches to research and advanced Indigenous-centred methodologies, ethics and ways of knowing. Frameworks such as OCAP®, the CARE Principles and UNDRIP support Indigenous authority over research, data and knowledge. Indigenous research principles include relationship building, respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility and self-determination.

Partnership development

Meaningful Indigenous-centred research begins with building relationships. Researchers should take time to understand community priorities, protocols and concerns before developing a project.

Community engagement is required for any research that affects the welfare of Indigenous Peoples or communities. It should be grounded in reciprocity, trust, knowledge co-constructionand Indigenous self-determination. Depending on the project, this may involve research co-applicants, advisory committees, community collaborators, research agreements or engagement plans. Indigenous partners should be appropriately compensated, with their expertise and contributions recognized.

Ethical guidelines

Ethical research extends beyond institutional ethics review. Indigenous communities have their own ethical principles, protocols and governance structures, which should be respected alongside institutional requirements such as TCPS 2 and Concordia’s research ethics processes.

Institutional approval does not replace community consent or Indigenous protocols. Ethical research is an ongoing relationship requiring accountability, consultation and communication throughout the research process and beyond.

Data sovereignty

Indigenous data includes information about Indigenous Peoples, communities, Nations, lands, resources, cultures, languages, stories and other knowledge.

Data sovereignty recognizes Indigenous authority over how data and knowledge are collected, managed, interpreted, shared and preserved. Frameworks such as OCAP® and the CARE Principles support Indigenous data governance and ethical data management.

Researchers should work with Indigenous partners to determine how data will be managed and consider practices such as co-developed data management plans, Indigenous data governance protocols, Traditional Knowledge labels and appropriate recognition of Indigenous knowledge holders.

Conclusion

Meaningful Indigenous-centred research must uphold Indigenous self-determination, community governance and Indigenous laws and protocols.

Universities have a responsibility to strengthen Indigenous leadership, researcher training, community engagement and institutional accountability. Ultimately, meaningful transformation means moving from researcher-driven agendas toward research defined and led by Indigenous communities, with communities retaining authority over research that concerns them.