SESSION KEYWORDS: Community-based research, Indigenous-engaged research ethics, Proportionate review; Ethics creep; Chapter 9

SESSION ABSTRACT

I acknowledge the vital importance of Indigenous voices in this area of research ethics practice. As a non-Indigenous Research Ethics Board administrator, I recognize and thank the Indigenous-engaged researchers and research ethics board members who have provided feedback and guidance that I will speak to. This talk facilitates discussion of strategies that REBs may employ to guide review of research that is led by Indigenous communities, with the goal of addressing ‘ethics creep’, recognizing the autonomy of Indigenous communities, and fostering mutual respect between REB members, researchers, and the communities. ‘Over-review’ by research ethics boards may result in unnecessary burdens to researchers and communities, and may result in researchers adopting inappropriate or culturally awkward processes. Using research ethics scenarios, this talk explores the role of Research Ethics Boards in research that is directed by Indigenous communities. The scenarios will explore important questions about jurisdictional boundaries, roles & responsibilities, and current REB practices. Adopting key guidance from Chapter 9, and with an eye to ‘proportionate review’, we can understand how research ethics boards can contribute positively, while meeting institutional REB requirements.