Understanding racial equity in research with Indigenous Peoples: including anti-racism and decolonization approaches

Abstract

ABSTRACT Colonization of Indigenous Peoples living in what is now called the U.S. and U.S. territories began over 500 years ago, yet colonization continues today and results in historical trauma and inequities for Indigenous people. This paper describes the current application of racial equity in research and its limitations when applied to work with Indigenous Peoples. It highlights how the existing racial equity framework falls short in (1) respecting Indigenous sovereignty, (2) addressing historical and ongoing colonization through land dispossession and codified racism in blood quantum, and (3) acknowledging the profound impact of historical, cultural, and intergenerational trauma. We propose an expanded racial equity approach to research that incorporates an anti-racist and decolonizing approach. We conclude by outlining specific strategies researchers should adopt when employing a racial equity lens in their work with Indigenous populations.