Reclaiming Indigenous Health Research and Knowledges As Self-Determination in Canada

Abstract

The establishment and implementation of Indigenous research teams can be key to finding solutions to closing the gaps in Indigenous health outcomes. However, research within Indigenous communities can be challenging at times because of the ways past research has been conducted in these communities as well as past traumas related to colonial history. Research by colonial institutions, in Canada and elsewhere, have left Indigenous communities with feelings of mistrust, with no obvious results from their participation in those research projects (Boyer BB, Dillard D, Woodahl EL, Whitener R, Thummel KE, Burke W. Clin Pharmacol Ther 89:343–345, 2011). Despite this, Indigenous Peoples have been able to reclaim the research process through resilience and self-determination. They have begun collaborative work with research partners in order to implement relevant research processes that work for them using Indigenous Research Methodologies. These strong partnerships built on mutual respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and relevance are key to advancing meaningful research for Indigenous communities. This chapter demonstrates how Indigenous research teams must not only partner with Indigenous communities but take direction from them. This includes the ability to administer (including hosting their own funds), direct, and guide the research project. This is a process of reclaiming research and is a strong act of self-determination. Indeed, the research community has now begun adapting to these processes including honoring Indigenous worldviews when undertaking research with Indigenous communities.