Research and Indigenous Librarianship in Canada

Abstract

This thought piece provides helpful information about ethical research practices related to research involving Indigenous peoples so that academic librarians (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) are better informed about the complex issues that exist and arise in such endeavours. Woven throughout the paper are guidance and strategies to avoid causing harm when doing research with Indigenous peoples and communities, such as misrepresenting Indigenous peoples, cultures, and epistemologies. A brief account of the legacy of a long history of unethical research practices conducted by Western researchers who extracted Indigenous knowledge speaks to why Indigenous peoples do not trust academic research projects. Researchers need to question their own motives when they consider conducting research with Indigenous peoples and to respect that we want to be involved in our own solutions and in research that utilizes Indigenous values, with the goal that “nothing [is done] about us without us.” Key to building relationships and finding success in the research undertaken are an in-depth understanding of Indigenous protocols, values, and ways of knowing, as well as evidence of the researcher making a long-term commitment to the research and the community. Further, such an understanding provides an access point for librarians to contribute to the decolonization of library services while supporting Indigenous researchers.