Ethical guidelines play a critical role in ensuring health research with Indigenous peoples is conducted in a culturally safe and respectful manner. While Chapter Nine of Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 outlines provisions for the ethical conduct of research involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada, there is a need to further develop ethical protocols that are distinctions-based (recognizing the specific rights and interests of distinct groups). In British Columbia (BC), there are over 270,000 Indigenous people (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) and 203 distinct First Nations and 39 Métis Chartered communities. Taking a distinctions-based approach ensures that research with Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs) aligns with their specific needs and interests. A previous environmental scan found many BC research ethics boards (REBs) lack the confidence and capacity to review Indigenous health applications. While improvements are being made, Indigenous health researchers (IHRs) and ICCOs remain hesitant to engage with REBs. Also, many ICCOs have their own Nation-based research ethics guidelines, yet many REBs are unaware of such guidelines. This study aims to improve and advance Indigenous health research ethics practices and protocols in BC to be more culturally safe and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and distinctions-based guidelines. Nominated Principal Investigator Dr. Krista Stelkia will lead this study in partnership with BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, First Nations Health Authority, Research Ethics BC, BC SUPPORT Unit, BC Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous organizations, and partnered universities. The results will contribute to improving the health of Indigenous peoples by transforming health research ethics to be more culturally safe. Health Research BC is providing match funds for this study, funded by a Canadian Institutes for Health Research Project Grant.
Progress Report – April 2025
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Obtained harmonized ethics approval.
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Onboarded two Indigenous Research Assistants to support with research activities.
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Onboarded an additional Research Assistant to support with research activities including administrative support to the NPI and Project Manager.
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The research team has completed screening 500+ articles for a Canada-wide scoping review.
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Started phase two of the research study (participant recruitment and primary data collection).
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In the process of conducting semi-structured virtual interviews with Indigenous health researchers.
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Presented on the research study at the 18th International Congress on Circumpolar Health Conference (November 2024).