Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims
In efforts to contribute towards reconciliation, some researchers have shown increased interest in collaborative work with Indigenous Peoples. However, those in technical fields, such as the natural sciences and engineering, are not traditionally trained in how to carry out Indigenous-driven researc...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Canadian Science Publishing
2025-01-01
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| Series: | FACETS |
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| Online Access: | https://facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2024-0165 |
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| author | Heather L. Greenwood Alex Choi Roxanna Dehghan Becky Big Canoe Kristian Dubrawski Emilee Gilpin Marie-Chantal Ross Eric Wilson Amy M. Bilton |
| author_facet | Heather L. Greenwood Alex Choi Roxanna Dehghan Becky Big Canoe Kristian Dubrawski Emilee Gilpin Marie-Chantal Ross Eric Wilson Amy M. Bilton |
| author_sort | Heather L. Greenwood |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In efforts to contribute towards reconciliation, some researchers have shown increased interest in collaborative work with Indigenous Peoples. However, those in technical fields, such as the natural sciences and engineering, are not traditionally trained in how to carry out Indigenous-driven research. This study learned from the successes and challenges of past technical research collaborations to better understand how these researchers can act as stronger allies. Qualitative interviews were carried out with five members of Indigenous communities and 35 researchers. The results showed diverse experiences and the need for more collaborative frameworks and supportive institutional environments within the natural sciences and engineering. Findings highlighted the wide range of issues to be considered in such work, grouped into (1) assessing personal preparation and mindset; (2) building and maintaining relationships; (3) community-aligned benefit; (4) practical and financial considerations; and (5) knowledge sharing and communication. In addition, participants identified institutional-level factors that could help (e.g., mentorship) or hinder (e.g., current recognition structures in many technical fields) efforts to carry out Indigenous-driven technical research. These results may stimulate and contribute to necessary work in the natural sciences and engineering on processes for equitable and thoughtful engagement with members of Indigenous communities to support Indigenous-driven research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0d2b9aa7e6444929aba726d44f707988 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2371-1671 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | FACETS |
| spelling | doaj-art-0d2b9aa7e6444929aba726d44f7079882025-08-20T01:57:20ZengCanadian Science PublishingFACETS2371-16712025-01-011011310.1139/facets-2024-0165Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aimsHeather L. Greenwood0Alex Choi1Roxanna Dehghan2Becky Big Canoe3Kristian Dubrawski4Emilee Gilpin5Marie-Chantal Ross6Eric Wilson7Amy M. Bilton8Reconciliation Through Engineering Initiative, Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 55 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 0C9, CanadaReconciliation Through Engineering Initiative, Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 55 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 0C9, CanadaReconciliation Through Engineering Initiative, Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 55 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 0C9, CanadaEnviroNative Training Initiatives, Box N36, Sutton, ON L0E 1R0, CanadaDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, ECS Building, Room 304, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, CanadaCoastal First Nations, #1660-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2, CanadaNational Research Council Canada Ocean Program, 1200 Montreal Rd., Building M-32, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, CanadaIISAAK OLAM Foundation, 7375 McMillan Road, T'Sou-ke IR#2, Sooke, BC V9Z 0S7, CanadaReconciliation Through Engineering Initiative, Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 55 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 0C9, CanadaIn efforts to contribute towards reconciliation, some researchers have shown increased interest in collaborative work with Indigenous Peoples. However, those in technical fields, such as the natural sciences and engineering, are not traditionally trained in how to carry out Indigenous-driven research. This study learned from the successes and challenges of past technical research collaborations to better understand how these researchers can act as stronger allies. Qualitative interviews were carried out with five members of Indigenous communities and 35 researchers. The results showed diverse experiences and the need for more collaborative frameworks and supportive institutional environments within the natural sciences and engineering. Findings highlighted the wide range of issues to be considered in such work, grouped into (1) assessing personal preparation and mindset; (2) building and maintaining relationships; (3) community-aligned benefit; (4) practical and financial considerations; and (5) knowledge sharing and communication. In addition, participants identified institutional-level factors that could help (e.g., mentorship) or hinder (e.g., current recognition structures in many technical fields) efforts to carry out Indigenous-driven technical research. These results may stimulate and contribute to necessary work in the natural sciences and engineering on processes for equitable and thoughtful engagement with members of Indigenous communities to support Indigenous-driven research.https://facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2024-0165reconciliationnatural sciences and engineering researchresearch ethicsIndigenous PeoplesIndigenous-driven researchinstitutional policies |
| spellingShingle | Heather L. Greenwood Alex Choi Roxanna Dehghan Becky Big Canoe Kristian Dubrawski Emilee Gilpin Marie-Chantal Ross Eric Wilson Amy M. Bilton Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims FACETS reconciliation natural sciences and engineering research research ethics Indigenous Peoples Indigenous-driven research institutional policies |
| title | Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims |
| title_full | Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims |
| title_fullStr | Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims |
| title_full_unstemmed | Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims |
| title_short | Learning from past collaborative experiences: setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support Indigenous-driven aims |
| title_sort | learning from past collaborative experiences setting a pathway for natural sciences and engineering researchers to support indigenous driven aims |
| topic | reconciliation natural sciences and engineering research research ethics Indigenous Peoples Indigenous-driven research institutional policies |
| url | https://facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2024-0165 |
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