In this unit we cover community-based research methods, with a focus on research with Indigenous communities. The goal of this approach is to consider how these research methods can support First Mile development initiatives. Conditions of settler colonialism and the historical role of social scientists and other researchers in supporting them has prompted reforms in ethical and professional practices.
Community-based Indigenous research projects stress collaboration: outcomes benefit communities as well as researchers and the institutions they work for. In Canada, this approach is captured in principles like Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) and reflected in partnerships between Indigenous and university-based researchers. These projects are documenting the work going on in communities, in order to share ideas, challenges and best practices.
Introducing Indigenous Research Methods- Decolonizing Methodologies
- First Nations Research Principles: OCAP
- Defining OCAP
- OCAP in Action: Examples of First Nations Research Projects
- Research partnerships between Indigenous communities and universities
- Example of a research partnership: First Nations Innovation Project
- Partnerships between community-based researchers and university researchers