Indigenous Research and Studies

FAQ document based on questions Indigenous researchers, advisors and administrators at Memorial University Newfoundland often get. When using this guide, keep in mind that “Indigenous groups” and “Indigenous peoples” are terms that cover immense diversity and answers to these questions will be different for each nation, government, governing body and group.

The right of First Nations communities to own, control, access, and possess information about their peoples is fundamentally tied to self determination and to the preservation and
development of their culture. OCAP™ allows a community to make decisions regarding why, how and by whom information is collected, used or shared.

Designed to serve as a framework for the ethical conduct of research involving Indigenous peoples. It is offered in a spirit of respect. It is not intended to override or replace ethical guidance offered by Indigenous peoples themselves. Its purpose is to ensure, to the extent possible, that research involving Indigenous peoples is premised on respectful relationships. It also encourages collaboration and engagement between researchers and participants.

The National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR) targets governments, academia, and research institutions and identifies areas for partnership and action that can strengthen the impact, efficacy, and usefulness of Inuit Nunangat research for Inuit.

By Karen Lawford and Veldon Coburn