National Resources

This chapter is part of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS or the Policy), a joint policy of Canada’s three federal research agencies – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

As the chapter’s introduction notes: “First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have unique histories, cultures and traditions. They also share some core values such as reciprocity – the obligation to give something back in return for gifts received – which they advance as the necessary basis for relationships that can benefit both Indigenous and research communities. Research involving Indigenous peoples in Canada has been defined and carried out primarily by non-Indigenous researchers. The approaches used have not generally reflected Indigenous world views, and the research has not necessarily benefited Indigenous peoples or communities. As a result, Indigenous peoples continue to regard research, particularly research originating outside their communities, with a certain apprehension or mistrust.” This chapter provides guidance for research with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada, with information on definitions, ethics, community engagement, collaboration, and working with Indigenous governments, organizations, Elders and knowledge keepers.

Health Research Involving Aboriginal People (2007-2010)

Work undertaken to develop these guidelines from CIHR, in effect from 2007 to 2010, helped lay the groundwork for TCPS2: Chapter 9, listed above. They have been acknowledged nationally and internationally for their rigour and the collaborative way in which they were developed https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29134.html

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, was active from 2008 to 2015. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools (IRS), documenting the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the IRS experience. This includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School students, their families, communities, the Churches, former school employees, Government and other Canadians. The National Centre is a permanent home for the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and houses many educational materials.
 The TRC final reports, summary, and Calls to Action are online here.

Additional Resources

This document provides core information about Indigenous health through stories and case studies of Indigenous experiences and essential knowledge for Fellows of the Royal Society, health care providers, learners and educators in caring for Indigenous Peoples.
Reading lists and other resources from Saskatoon Public Library. Here is a link to the reading lists and other resources offered by the Saskatoon Public library [https://saskatoonlibrary.ca/discover-learn/reconciliation/]
This is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. It is meant for people interested in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships. Here are links to the OCAP and First Nations Indigenous Governing Council websites. Here is a link to the free online course [https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html]
The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) has developed this online training course as a comprehensive overview of  the First Nations principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), and how they support principled research,  data sovereignty and information governance with First Nations peoples in Canada. Researchers who want to work with First Nations communities should be familiar with OCAP. ®Here are links to the First Nations Indigenous Governing Council website [https://fnigc.ca FNIGC] and OCAP website [https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training]
The OTC uses its stature as a neutral provincial facilitator to encourage honest conversations about the nature of successful reconciliation – both within the public at large, and by bringing together influential leaders from all walks of life. We hope to inspire action and innovation by finding, showcasing and learning from the many examples of reconciliation underway in Saskatchewan, by seeking and supporting “champions” for reconciliation, and by connecting these champions and initiatives. Here is a link to the website of the OTC [http://www.otc.ca]
This website chronicles Metis history and culture, and contains many primary documents, including interviews, photographs, videos and historical documents. It is a project of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Culture Online Program, the Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture, the Government of Canada and the University of Saskatchewan. Here is a link to the museum [https://www.metismuseum.ca]
This comprehensive atlas, available online and in print, includes reference maps and detailed sections on Truth and Reconciliation, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. It was created by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis Nation, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indspire. Here is a link to the atlas [https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca]