Indigenous Research Ethics

Photo by Kristen Dobbin

The Indigenous Research Ethics research theme explores the dynamic intersection of policies, procedures, practices, and philosophies of contemporary Indigenous research ethics.

IPinCH itself has been a case study in alternative research ethics and practice, shifting control over the research process to community partners. This revealed significant tensions between the project, university policies, and funding agencies. Some of the IPinCH-supported projects literally took years to have funding and ethics applications approved, pointing to the need for revised university policy. To aid that process, and to share lessons learned, IPinCH hosted a national research ethics conference, Working Better Together, in 2015 that brought together scholars, practitioners, students, administrators and policy makers of diverse cultural and professional backgrounds from across Canada to explore what it means to work collaboratively in Indigenous research.

This theme contains a set of useful resources for practitioners who grapple with intellectual property ethics and issues. Emphasis is placed upon the special demands and rewards of collaborative research practice.

Events
Working Better Together — Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics Photo K. Dobb

From February 18-20th, community-engaged academic and community researchers, educators, practitioners, policy analysts and research administrators gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia to explore what it really means – and what it takes – to work collaboratively in Indigenous research.

Publications
Consent, Collaboration, Treaty: Toward Anti-Colonial Praxis in Indigenous-Settler Research Relations (special section)
Anthropologica 57(2): 411-417
Brian Noble (guest editor)
2015
Tripped Up By Coloniality: Anthropologists as Instruments or Agents in Indigenous-Settler Political Relations
Anthropologica 57(2):427-443.
Brian Noble
2015
Standing with Sol: The Spirit and Intent of Action Anthropology
Anthropologica 57(2): 445-456
Joshua Smith
2015
Reconciling Inequalities in Archaeological Practice and Heritage Research
Transforming Archaeology: Activist Practices and Prospects, edited by S. Atalay, L.R. Clauss, R.H. McGuire, and J.R. Welch, pp.133-158, Left Coast Press , Walnut Creek.
George Nicholas
2014
Engaging Archaeology: Positivism, Objectivity and Rigor in Activist Archaeology
Transforming Archaeology: Activist Practices and Prospects, edited by S. Atalay, L.R. Clauss, R.H. McGuire, and J.R. Welch, pp.45-59, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek
Sonya Atalay
2014
Activating Archaeology
Transforming Archaeology: Activist Practices and Prospects, edited by S. Atalay, L.R. Clauss, R.H. McGuire, and J.R. Welch, pp.197-214, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek
K. Anne Pyburn
2014
'Do Not Do Unto Others...': Community-Based Participatory Research Approaches to Identifying Indigenous Heritage Concerns and Avoiding Harm
Appropriating the Past: Philosophical Perspectives on Archaeological Practice, edited by R. Coningham and G. Scarre
George Nicholas and Alison Wylie
2012
Working Towards Greater Equity and Understanding: Examples of Collaborative Archaeology and Museum Initiatives with Indigenous Peoples in North America
SfAA Newsletter (22.1)
Sarah Carr-Locke and George Nicholas
2011
Inuit Studies/Études Inuit (Vol. 35, 1-2): 35-56
Catherine Bell and Caeleigh Shier
2011
Heritage Management 3.1 (pp.117-147)
George Nicholas, Catherine Bell, Rosemary Coombe, John Welch, Brian Noble, Jane Anderson, Kelly Bannister, and Joe Watkins
2010
Archaeological Finds: Legacies of Appropriation, Modes of Response
The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation, edited by James O. Young and Conrad G. Brunk (pp.11-54)
George Nicholas, Alison Wylie
2009
Appropriation of Traditional Knowledge: Ethics in the Context of Ethnobiology
The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation, edited by James O. Young and Conrad G. Brunk (pp. 140-161)
Kelly Bannister, Maui Solomon
2009
Presentations
SFU Aboriginal Lecture Series
George Nicholas
2016
IPinCH Webinar, Simon Fraser University
Dru McGill
2015
Legal Contexts for Implementing Ethical Aspirations in TCPS2
Working Better Together: Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics, Vancouver, B.C.
Catherine Bell
2015
Challenges and Strategies for Building Ethical Space in Diverse Stakeholder Collaborations
Working Better Together: Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics, Vancouver, B.C.
Nicole Aylwin (Discussant)
2015
Sovereignty-Driven Research Ethics: Beyond Baseline Compliance, Consent, and Limitation of Liability
Working Better Together: Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics, Vancouver, B.C.
John Welch (Discussant)
2015
Lessons learned from University-based collaborative research with Indigenous partners
Working Better Together: Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics, Vancouver, B.C.
George Nicholas (Discussant)
2015
IPinCH Fall Gathering
Sonya Selanoff and Holly Cusack-McVeigh
2014
Using the Past to Contribute to Diné (Navajo) Cultural Heritage in the Present and Future
Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, Student Destinations Session
Davina Two Bears
2014
Disrupting the Category of Knowledge: An IPinCH Theoretical Engagement
Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting, Student Destinations Session
Claire Poirier
2014
IPinCH Fall Gathering
Dru McGill, Sonya Atalay, Alison Wylie, Davina Two Bears
2014
IPinCH Project Ethnography: Critical Reflections on Researchers Conducting Projects on Indigenous Heritage and Intellectual Property Issues.
Native American and Indigenous Studies Association Conference
Alexis Bunten
2013
Law of the Buffalo: Relations and Obligations in Heritage Management
Canadian Anthropology Association Annual Meeting
Claire Poirier
2013
Research Collaborations with Native Communities: New Directions in Social Science Ethics
NSF Program Director Lecture
Sonya Atalay (panelist)
2013
Public History Seminar Series, Kings College London
Alison Wylie
2012
Seeking Best Practices and Important Themes in Collaborative Research Agreements
World Archaeological Congress Intercongress (Indigenous People and Museums, Indianapolis)
Davina Two Bears and Dru McGill
2011
American Anthropological Association Conference, Session: Reversing the Legacy of Colonialism in Heritage Research (Montreal, Quebec)
George Nicholas
2011
Reversing the Legacy of Colonialism in Heritage Research
American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting (Montreal, QC)
Stephen Loring (session organizer)
2011
Achieving Reasonable Balance in Archaeological Practice
Society for American Archaeology (Sacramento, CA)
George Nicholas
2011
Essential Tensions in Archaeological Theory and Practice
Stanford Archaeology Centre, Archaeology Workshops Series (Stanford, CA)
George Nicholas
2010
Access to and Control Over Data and Products of Research: Intellectual Property, Research and Tribunal Contexts
Canadian Bar Association North
Catherine Bell
2010
Respect, Rigour and Responsibility: Collaborative Ethics Practices and the Academy.
Inuit Studies Conference (7th, Val-d'Or, Quebec)
Catherine Bell
2010
Intellectual Property and Ethics Session
Inuit Studies Conference (7th, Val-d'Or, Quebec)
Murielle Nagy (organizer)
2010
The Ethical Dimensions of Intellectual Property in Cultural Heritage: Community-Based Approaches to Identifying and Avoiding Harm
Appropriating the Past: The Uses and Abuses of Cultural Heritage Conference (Durham University, St. Hild and Bede College)
George Nicholas
2009
Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics of the Tri-Council of Canadian Research Agencies
George Nicholas, Catherine Bell, Joe Watkins, John Welch, Kelly Bannister
2009
Community-Based Fieldwork with the Innu of Labrador: Lessons from Thirty Years of Collaboration
Symposium on Ethics and Community-Based Fieldwork, DePauw University (Greencastle, IN)
Stephen Loring
2009
Decolonizing Research Methods: Lessons From The First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law Project
Symposium on Ethics and Community-Based Fieldwork, DePauw University (Greencastle, IN)
Catherine Bell
2009
Developing Practical Guidelines for the Protection of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge through Community-based Initiatives
Symposium on Ethics and Community-Based Fieldwork, DePauw University (Greencastle, IN)
Jane Anderson
2009
Videos & Podcasts
Working Better Together Conference

The following presentations comprised the formal closing of the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia:

Keynote Speaker Closing Reflections
Marlene Brant Castellano and Willie Ermine

In their closing presentations, keynote speakers Dr. Marlene Brant Castellano and Professor Willie Ermine share their impressions and reflections from the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Working Better Together Conference
Mike McKenzie

In this presentation, Mike McKenzie, Youth Representative, National Association of Friendship Centres shared his perspective on Indigenous research ethics and impressions arising from the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Musical Facilitation with Native American Flute
Vicki Kelly

Song copyright © 2015 by Vicki Kelly

The songs shared by Dr. Vicki Kelly (Anishinaabe and Métis Scholar and Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University) were part of the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

SESSION 4: Continuing Education and Innovation in Research Ethics Theory and Pra

This video is a record of “Session 4: Continuing Education and Innovation in Research Ethics Theory and Practice” from the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Working Better Together Conference

This video is a record of “Session 3: Overcoming Challenges to Collaboration: Innovative Agreements and Partnership Arrangements” from the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Working Better Together Conference
Florence James

Coast Salish Elder Florence James of Penelakut Island offers a prayer and special blessing in the Coast Salish dialect, Hul’q’umi’num, for participants on Day 2 of the “Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics” that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SESSION 2 Actualizing Indigenous Values and Methodologies

This video is a record of “Session 2: Actualizing Indigenous Values and Methodologies in Ethics Policy-making and Practice” from the “Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics” that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SESSION 1: Implementing TCPS2

This video is a record of “Session 1: Implementing TCPS2 in Collaborative Indigenous Research – Policy, Funder, Institution and Project Perspectives” from the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Marlene Brant Castellano
Marlene Brant Castellano

In this presentation, Mohawk Scholar Dr. Marlene Brant Castellano, Community Co-chair, Aboriginal Council of Queen’s University, reflects on her extensive experience in the evolution of Indigenous research ethics policy in Canada. 

Dancing Particles (Keynote)
Willie Ermine

In this presentation, entitled "Dancing Particles," Cree philosopher and educator Willie Ermine, Professor, First Nations University of Canada, elaborates on the concept of “Ethical Space” as a foundational practice for ethical research relationships. 

Working Better Together Conference
Paul Linden

In this presentation, Dr. Paul Linden (6th Dan Aikido) describes some basic elements of the martial art of Aikido and the practice of “embodied peacemaking.” 

Ts'lhnuts'umaat: Traditional Teaching About Being "The Whole Family"
Florence James

In this presentation, Coast Salish Elder Florence James of Penelakut Island shares “Ts’lhnuts’umaat” which is a traditional teaching about being “the whole family.” Florence shared her teaching to assist participants who gathered for the “Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics” that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Working Better Together Conference
Kelly Bannister

In this presentation, Dr. Kelly Bannister, Conference Chair provides an initial overview of the “Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics” that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

George Nicholas

In this presentation, Dr. George Nicholas, IPinCH Project Director, and Professor of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University provides opening comments to participants of the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Welcome by SFU President Andrew Petter
Andrew Petter

In this presentation, Dr. Andrew Petter, President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University formally welcomes participants as part of the Opening Ceremony for the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

VICTOR GUERIN
Victor Guerin

Song copyright © 2015 by Victor Guerin

In this presentation, Victor Guerin, Musqueam First Nation, provides a Traditional Opening and Territorial Welcome as part of the Opening Ceremony for the Working Better Together Conference on Indigenous Research Ethics that took place February 18-20th, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Pragmatism at the Intersection of Indigeneity, Cultural Property, and Intangible
George Nicholas

When descendant groups are denied direct and meaningful engagement in decision making, heritage management policies are ineffective at best and harmful at worst. 

Linda Tuhiwai Smith

Linda Tuhiwai Smith talks with Mariane Gaudreau and Brian Egan about her influential book “Decolonizing Methodologies,” the growth in Indigenous research and researchers, the challenges of doing community-based work within academia, and much more. 

Catherine Bell

In this video, legal scholar Catherine Bell chats with IPinCH Project Ethnographer Alexis Bunten following the IPinCH "Cultural Commodification, Indigenous Peoples & Self-Determination" symposium & workshop. 

Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Linda Tuhiwai Smith

In her Munro Lecture at SFU’s Harbour Centre, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith shares her tremendous insights into indigenous knowledge, language revitalization, decolonizing research practices, and how to "make knowledge live.”

Robin R.R. Gray

In this episode, Robin R. R. Gray, PhD Candidate in the Department of Anthropology at UMass Amherst, discusses her community-based participatory action project to repatriate a collection of Tsimshian sound recordings back to her community.

Following IPinCH's SSHRC Partnership Award win, George Nicholas and Kelly Bannister were asked for an interview with Pamela McCall on CFAX1070 (Victoria, B.C.). 

Press Releases

SFU-based international research group convenes conference on how higher education stakeholders could collaborate better on indigenous cultural heritage.