Moving forward with Sámi research ethics how the dialogical process to policy development in Canada supports the course of action for the Nordic countries

Abstract

<p>Indigenous critiques of academic knowledge production emerged around the same timeframe in Canada and the Nordic countries, however, the discourse has led to different outcomes in each country. This paper addresses Indigenous research ethics as a form of self-determination; and, reflects the development and implementation of ethical guidelines and policy for Indigenous research in Canada comparing it to the situation in the Nordic countries. Across Canada there were a series of parallel, multi-level processes involving numerous actors: Indigenous organizations and political organizations, communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous research Institutions, national research agencies, national research ethics committees, and the creating of an Aboriginal Ethics Working Group to advise on the process. Through a coordinated and consultative practice these numerous actors developed the main contents and enhanced commitment to the implementation of ethical guidelines and policy. Concerning the Nordic countries, while multiple activities have occurred to move this project forward, collaboration between the academic and political spheres on ethical issues occurs less frequently, and Sámi community level involvement has been absent in the interactive dialogue. What appears to be missing in today’s situation is a tangible collaborative agent or platform that would have the authority and capacities to take over the responsibility for coordinating the fragmented and nationally divergent efforts and to promote the political negotiation process both on the Nordic and on the national levels.</p>