As the TRI-COUNCIL states:

Research involving Indigenous peoples in Canada has been defined and carried out primarily by non-Indigenous researchers. The approaches used have not generally reflected Indigenous world views, and the research has not necessarily benefited Indigenous peoples or communities. As a result, Indigenous peoples continue to regard research, particularly research originating outside their communities, with a certain apprehension or mistrust.

According to the Tri-Council Policy Statement - Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) Chapter Nine: Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples of Canada (2022), there are characteristics that describe Indigenous Research.

View: TCPS2: Chapter 9

“Where the research is likely to affect the welfare of an Indigenous community, or communities, to which prospective participants belong, researchers shall seek engagement with the relevant community.” The conditions under which engagement is required include, but are not limited to:

1. Research conducted on First Nations, Inuit or Métis lands;
2. Recruitment criteria that include Indigenous identity as a factor for the entire study or for a subgroup in the study;
3. Research that seeks input from participants regarding a community’s cultural heritage, artifacts, traditional knowledge or unique characteristics;
4. Research in which Indigenous identity or membership in an Indigenous community is used as a variable for the purpose of analysis of the research data; and
5. Interpretation of research results that will refer to Indigenous communities, peoples, language, history or culture.

According to TCPS 2, Chapter 9:

Indigenous research methodologies describe a diversity of research approaches, processes, and protocols. They are collectively grounded in Indigenous paradigms which include features such as relationality, holism, community accountability, deep connections to the land and all living beings, recognition of colonial histories and their impacts on Indigenous people, and respect for Indigenous knowledges, worldviews, cultures, languages, and people.

If a researcher is conducting Indigenous research, there are specific processes that must be enacted, two of which are Community Engagement and Indigenous data sovereignty principles.

View: Article 9.1

• Was this research topic or question identified with Indigenous people, or am I imposing it externally?
• Who benefits from this research? Is it aligned with the priorities, needs, and aspirations of the community?
• How am I prepared to be accountable to the Indigenous communities, knowledges and methodologies I engage with?

• Am I willing to privilege Indigenous epistemologies, and potentially de-center Western paradigms in my research design, analysis, and dissemination?
• Am I prepared to adapt my study’s methods, timelines, and definitions of “rigor” to align with Indigenous methodological frameworks and community-led processes?

• What is my own positionality (e.g., Indigenous, settler, refugee, descendant of enslaved peoples), and how does this influence my motivations and responsibilities in using Indigenous methodologies?
• Are the methodologies I am considering using culturally appropriate given my specific contexts?

• Is this a one-time project or part of an ongoing commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, resurgence, and self-determination through research?
• How will I ensure that the research outputs are accessible, useful, and co-owned by the community—not just published for academic recognition?

This principle underscores the importance of respecting Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and traditions. Researchers must approach Indigenous communities and individuals with respect for their ways of knowing and being. This involves recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, oral traditions, and spiritual beliefs and customs. Respect also includes obtaining informed consent and conducting research in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner that engages with the community.

Reciprocity in Indigenous research refers to the idea that research should be a two-way exchange of knowledge and benefits. It goes beyond simply extracting data from Indigenous communities. Researchers should aim to give back to the communities they work with by sharing research findings, providing resources or support, and ensuring that the research benefits the community in meaningful ways.

Indigenous research must be relevant to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. This principle emphasizes that research questions, methods, and outcomes should align with the priorities and goals of the community. Research should address issues that are of significance and importance to the community rather than imposing external research agendas.

Researchers have a responsibility to conduct research in an ethical and accountable manner. This includes obtaining proper permissions and approvals, ensuring the confidentiality of data, and considering the potential impact of research on individuals and communities. Responsibility also extends to acknowledging the historical context of colonization and working to rectify past injustices in research.