Weaving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis principles and values into health research processes

In the Spring of 2021, a research team from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health completed environmental scans on nine key health-related topics to develop an anti-Indigenous racism strategy for health systems in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. To ensure we (Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers) were respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, cultures, worldviews, and research methods, we weaved three frameworks of Indigenous values and principles together to create a conceptual foundation for undertaking the environmental scans.

In discussions with First Nations Elders, Métis Senators, and our research team, we chose the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Anishinaabe, a specific First Nation's life values), Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit societal values), and the Métis Principles of Research. Further discussions provided insights for each of these guiding principles used in research projects with Indigenous peoples.

Through this research, we created a weaved framework reflecting the three distinct Indigenous cultures in Canada; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The Weaved Indigenous Framework for Research was created for researchers to use as a guiding document as they embark upon health research with Indigenous communities. Inclusive, culturally responsive research frameworks are needed within Indigenous health research to ensure each culture can be respected and honored.