A grove of cedar trees with a winding pathway between them. A close upon one tree trunk. Two overlain blue and brown colour cutouts help to highlight the tree.

Weaving Indigenous Ethics into Research

This site provides links to resources gathered from around the world, as well as guidance related specifically to ethics applications submitted to Behavioural Research Ethics at UBC, compiled to support researchers and communities in preparing for and submitting Indigenous-focused research ethics applications at UBC and potentially beyond. Resources are organized by phases of the research life cycle. See below to access each section. 

We welcome your feedback on the resources provided and suggestions for additional resources, including from outside Canada and the US. Please use this form to submit your ideas for how the site can be improved. 

A close up of some cedar boughs. Two overlain light pink and green colour cutouts help to highlight the branch details.

Preparing and Learning

Reflect on and evaluate self knowledge about community history, culture and protocols.

 

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Similar to a researcher's preparation, cedar harvesters prepare before venturing into the forest to gather cedar. Initially, they may need to review land protocols before requesting permission to harvest. Whether in their own Nation or not, the harvester would need to ensure they have the cultural knowledge to proceed safely.

A close up of some cedar boughs and cedar bark strips. Two overlain pink and green colour cutouts help to highlight the bow and strip details.

Building Relationships

Transparent communication, respectful understanding of roles and responsibilities.

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Cedar harvesters begin by sharing their intentions and accepting teachings from the land guardians. 

A close up of a woven cedar bracelet with an opal-coloured button in the center. It is lying on some cedar boughs with some white feathers in the background. Two overlain brown and green colour cutouts help to highlight the details.

Designing Research

Grounded in ICCO's concerns, needs, interests and priorities.

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Before finalizing plans, the harvesters and community will decide on the approach, considering the location, and the trees' age and health. 

A close up of a woven cedar bracelet with three turquoise-coloured button in the center. It is lying on some cedar boughs with some white feathers in the background. Two overlain brown and green colour cutouts help to highlight the details.

Confirming Agreement

Ensure transparency and clarity of roles and responsibilities, research methods, ownership and management of research outputs.

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Following community protocols, there would be agreement on the ceremonies to follow. Ongoing conversations will determine details of where to store the bark, the quantity of cedar to harvest, and the distribution of the cedar.

A close up of a woven cedar bracelet that is resting on some cedar bows. Two overlain brown and green colour cutouts help to highlight the details.

Building UBC-BREB Research Ethics Applications

Articulating research intentions and methods; assurances of how interests and well-being of participants and communities are upheld.

Cedar harvesters will prepare the cedar for harvesting and final production, with consideration of responsible stewardship of the materials.

 

A close up of a woven cedar hat with a small white animal fur on the hat. Two overlain beige and green colour cutouts help to highlight the details.

Reviewing and Approving UBC-BREB Research Ethics Applications

Validation of alignment between research methods and outputs, and commitments made to participants and ICCOs.

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Experts may be called on to ensure the cedar is used responsibly. 

A close up of two woven cedar hats and a woven cedar necklace, which are lying on some cedar boughs. Two overlain brown and green colour cutouts help to highlight the details.

Collecting, Analyzing and Sharing Research Results

Ensure research activities are consistent with commitments to participants, ICCOs and funders.

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Cedar weavers will test the strength and pliability of materials, considering the weaving techniques they will use. The use of tension determines how the design will unfold. The woven handcrafts are gifted to others, and unused materials are returned to the forest.

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The UBC-Office of Research Ethics and guests attended a Cedar Weaving workshop facilitated by Jessica Sault and Cheyanne Tinoco. During the workshop, attendees learned about the Nuu-chah-nulth People's use of cedar and its cultural significance. We were taught how to weave cedar bracelets, necklaces and headbands. Cedar weaving emerged as a metaphor written by Asma-na-hi Antoine for the Indigenous Research Lifecycle.

Learn more about the site

 

First Nations land acknowledegement

We acknowledge with gratitude, respect and humility the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, on whose traditional, ancestral, unceded lands UBC Vancouver is situated, as well as the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples, on whose traditional, ancestral, unceded lands UBC Okanagan is situated. We also thank UBC's Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives for financial assistance to build this site.

Office of Research Ethics


Contact the UBC Behavioural Research Ethics Board office:
researchethics.ubc.ca/behavioural-research-ethics/contact-breb

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