NCH RESEARCH POLICY
NCH recognizes that research has long been used against Indigenous peoples. By being housed in the nation, NCH does research with the nation instead of on the nation. NCH adheres to OCAP principles.
Though NCH originates from a First Nation perspective, its work is applicable to Métis and Inuit peoples too.
NCH RESEARCH METHODOLGY
Indigenous research protocols are continuing to evolve as are the OCAP principles. NCH uses leading edge best practices in conducting any Indigenous research.
NCH is nation driven. It derives authority and mandate from the nation it supports and hence it builds its research methodology in partnership with the community it is working with. Some of the key guidelines NCH follows are:
1. It uses a nation-based Research Ethics body to review the research methodology for every project.
2. It uses community participatory research methods in order to empower Indigenous voices.
3. It works with the community to determine who speaks for the nation in the research work.
4. It uses community engagement in the design of the research.
5. It accords full respect to the culture, language and values of the nation(s) involved in the research and is guided by the same throughout the research project.
6. Capacity development at the nation level.
ON CONSENT - Being nation driven, NCH receives consent to work on any given research project from the involved community. It also begins work only after receiving approval on its research methodology. Furthermore, NCH ensures there is permission for the use of community's private papers, pictures or art. It honours the copyright of the nation's material.
NCH research participants have the right to withdraw consent or participation from the research project at any time. The participants also have the right to appeal to the advisory board in the event of any problem during the research process.
