Ethical research engagement with Indigenous communities

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Aging Research Ethics

Background:

• Colonial policies in Canada create barriers for Indigenous older adults' access to healthcare and research.
• There is a critical need for Indigenous-led research and the implementation of culturally safe practices.
• Morning Star Lodge is developing a training module to address ethical engagement with Indigenous communities in AgingTech research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a training module for AgingTech researchers focused on ethical and culturally safe engagement with Indigenous communities.
• To explore Indigenous health research, community-based partnerships, reciprocal learning, and cultural safety.
• To present findings through a case study on ethically engaged research.

Main Methods:

• Established a research partnership agreement with the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council.
• Formed a Community Research Advisory Committee representing eleven First Nations.
• Collaborated with the committee to design the culturally safe training module.

Main Results:

• Research partnerships and capacity building have positively shifted how eleven First Nation communities perceive research.
• These communities are now actively disseminating knowledge within their own networks.
• Enhanced community engagement and direction in research initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous Peoples demonstrate resilience and self-determination in research.
• Developing culturally safe approaches fosters self-determined research within Indigenous communities.
• Culturally safe training modules have broader applicability for marginalized demographics.