The Research Review Committee and Guidelines for Ethical Aboriginal Research

In March 2001, Noojmowin Teg Health Access Centre sponsored a community-based health research conference in M’Chigeeng to provide a forum for participants to discuss their experience with health research on Manitoulin Island. Participants brainstormed about what makes research ethical from a First Nations perspective and how the goal of ethical research could be realized and thus created a vision for health research.

The Research Review Committee was established as a result of that vision in collaboration with Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, Mnaamodzawin Health Services, M’Chigeeng Health Services, Wikwemikong Health Centre and the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute. The Committee worked in consultation with local First Nation leadership, community members and Elders as well as community-based researchers to form Guidelines for Ethical Aboriginal Research (GEAR).

GEAR can be used a screening tool to help communities decide if a research project is appropriate. The Research Review Committee will evaluate research proposals on the basis of two interrelated guiding principles: ethics review which determines if a proposed research project respects Aboriginal customs and culture in  the Manitoulin area and research review which determines if the research project follows the vision for culturally appropriate research on Manitoulin.

In Canada, all health research for universities and their affiliated institutions and colleges are subject to review to ensure ethical conduct of researchers and to protect the well-being of participants. However, ethics are closely tied to culture, and it is important to acknowledge First Nations values in research. The review process developed by the Manitoulin Research Review Committee is unique, because it adheres to national standards of ethics review while also incorporating First Nations values.

For more information on the Guidelines for Ethical Aboriginal Research and the Research Review committee, please contact:
 
Lenore Mayers, Administrative Program Support Worker
 Phone: 705-368-2182, ext. 201
 Email: lenore.mayers@noojmowin-teg.ca

Download the Guidlines for Ethical Aboriginal Research

Download Ethics Review Application Form