About

This is an interim space to communicate the activities related to the Indigenous Engagement Project.

Objective: To identify institutional best practices around research ethics and financial administrative processes and accountability mechanisms for teaching and research involving Indigenous peoples at the University of Alberta

Overview: The University of Alberta has identified the “thoughtful, respectful, meaningful, and sustainable response to the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada” as a priority in our institutional strategic plan, For the Public Good. A significant part of this work involves the development of respectful and ethical relationships with Indigenous communities. As a large, research intensive university, the University of Alberta is already engaged in a variety of teaching and research initiatives with many Indigenous communities and the interest in these areas continues to grow, both within the academy and amongst Indigenous communities and organizations.

There is significant opportunity to build knowledge sharing across the University community around best practices in Indigenous teaching and research and to “foster learning opportunities across our campuses that enable student, staff and faculty participation in reconciliation” (For the Public Good 2015).

Three key areas of work have been identified:

  1. Indigenous Community Engagement Protocol (to replace current Elder Protocol & Guidelines),
  2. Indigenous Research Ethics Best Practices, and
  3. Financial Administration of Indigenous Community Engagement.

This initiative would be supported primarily by the Office of the Provost, in collaboration with the Vice-President Research, the Research Ethics Office, Research Services Office, The Faculty of Native Studies and UAlberta North.

During Phase 1, the Indigenous Engagement Project is engaging the campus community around best practices in engaging Indigenous communities on teaching and research. If you have any comments and questions, please submit here. We will provide updates as we hear from you.