Researchers often have a reputation among Native communities similar to mosquitoes—they take what they need and leave, often without considering the impact of their actions or sharing the results with the community. We’re Lizzy Ferrara and Emily Wright, and we work on advancing equity-driven public health and justice with an emphasis on Indigenous communities. We as researchers have a responsibility to do no harm, yet non-Native led research has historically caused distress for Native American communities through inappropriate, and even harmful, methods and practices, despite good intentions.
But what if data weren’t the main goal of research, but a by-product of a partnership aimed at solving a community’s issue? This perspective shifts the focus from data collection to community-driven solutions rooted in respect. Research with Native American communities must include Indigenous ways of knowing and Native voices to effectively address knowledge gaps and critical disparities in crime, health, and the environment. By integrating these elements, research can be more accurate, relevant, and respectful, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both researchers and the communities they serve.
Native American communities are the original scientists of this country, with research, data, and evaluation being Indigenous values and practices. Indigenous ways of knowing refers to the comprehensive, holistic understanding that Indigenous communities have cultivated over generations through their intimate relationship with the land and environment. This knowledge system encompasses various forms of intelligence, including interpersonal, kinesthetic, and spiritual. It’s grounded in the belief that all aspects of life are interconnected, emphasizing experiential learning, storytelling, and community practices.
Excluding Indigenous perspectives in research weakens both the process and the outcomes. Without Indigenous involvement in study design, researchers often miss critical cultural contexts, leading to inaccurate or incomplete findings. Studies that ignore spiritual connections to land, water, and community fail to grasp essential dimensions of the issue. This approach can also feel extractive, offering little benefit to the community and reinforcing distrust stemming from exploitative research. Following the principle of “no data collected on us without us” ensures results are more accurate and meaningful.
Hot Tips
- Understand tribal nations’ unique cultural and political contexts. Each tribe is a sovereign nation with distinct governance, traditions, and research protocols. Respect data sovereignty, which ensures tribes control their data’s collection, ownership, and use. This often involves securing tribal institutional review board approval and adhering to specific data-sharing agreements.
- An understanding of Native history is crucial. Historically, research has often marginalized or exploited Native communities, fostering deep mistrust. Researchers must approach with cultural sensitivity, centering the community’s priorities and ensuring the research aligns with their needs.
- A strengths-based approach is vital—focusing on the resilience, knowledge, and assets of Native communities rather than deficits. This shift promotes more equitable, empowering outcomes and reframes the narrative toward Indigenous success and potential.
- Relationship-building and trust are foundational. Researchers should involve tribal members throughout the research process, from identifying the problem to selecting methodologies and participants. These relationships are not just steps toward data collection but a core outcome of the research itself. Additionally, compensating Native partners fairly for their time and expertise is critical to fostering ethical, mutually beneficial collaboration.
- Budget for more time than you normally would. Building relationships and trust takes longer than standard research timelines, so allocate additional time for meaningful engagement with the community. While you may seek to leverage this expertise for a specific project or initiative, remember that you’re building a relationship—one that, like any healthy partnership, requires ongoing communication, accountability, trust, and reciprocity.
Rad Resources
- A Guidebook to Centering Community in Partnerships with Indigenous Nations (Michigan State University)
- Best Practices for American Indian and Alaska Native Data Collection (Urban Indian Health Institute)
- Centering Native Perspectives and Wisdom: Reframing Non-Indigenous Research on American Indian Health (Urban Institute)
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