Respectful Relationships in First Nations Research in Manitoba: History and Impacts of the First Nations Regional Ethics Board

DESCRIPTION OF SESSION

In 1998, the First Nations Health Information Research Governance Committee (HIRGC) was formed by Chiefs in Assembly in Manitoba, Canada. The creation of this First Nations Ethics Review Board (REB) was an important step in asserting First Nations sovereignty over research in Manitoba. First Nations rights have historically been ignored in research ethics and by academic researchers resulting in mistreatment and misuse of our people and data. The HIRGC serves as a regulatory body and gatekeeper of First Nations data in Manitoba by reviewing and overseeing research proposals to ensure that they adhere to ethical principles of Free Prior Informed Consent; First Nations OCAP® principles; First Nations ethics; and Benefits to First Nations. For over two decades the HIRGC has asserted First Nations rights and self-determination to ensure that research is conducted ethically, respectfully, and in alignment with research sovereignty principles. This presentation explores the history and impacts of the First Nations HIRGC in Manitoba. Presenters will speak to asserting First Nations ethical principles, repatriation of First Nation's data, overseeing First Nation census processes and other important considerations for Indigenous communities interested in establishing their own REBs. The evolution and impact of HIRGC highlights the need to protect Indigenous Knowledge; foster equitable partnerships between researchers and First Nations communities; and highlights First Nations REBs as one of many tools working towards a more respectful First Nations research landscape.