Teachers College faculty, staff, and students influence the way we understand and interact in the research field. We continually ponder ethical study designs to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects and strive to support the breadth and depth of our research community and its impact on the world. The blog series, Researcher Highlights, aims to highlight innovators and leaders that create groundbreaking studies, contribute ethical insights, and play a critical role in study design aimed at high standards.
In this edition of Researcher Highlights, Jooyoung Jeon, a Research Writing & Ethics intern at the Institutional Review Board (IRB) office, conducted a 30-minute interview with Dr. Rachel Talbert. As a lecturer in the Curriculum and teaching department as well as a research fellow of the Gordon Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Dr. Talbert explored civic identity negotiation for urban Native American youth.
Clarifying Terminology:
Dr. Talbert stressed the importance of language and terminology used in Indigenous research contexts. While terms such as 'American Indian,' 'Native American,' and 'Indigenous People' are commonly used, it's important to be as specific as possible by using the names of the specific Nation, Band, or Tribe whenever possible. Best practices, as well as preferred terminology, vary by Tribe and can evolve over time. Above all, researchers should remain humble and open to being corrected. For researchers interested in working with tribal nations, a proactive and informed approach is essential. Prior to any action, the researchers should:
- Ask those you want to work with if the research you are doing is desired/needed. Years of extractive research with no benefit has harmed communities.
- Respect and value the time and wisdom of your collaborators. Seek to compensate for time and travel, and provide meals. If they wish, offer them lead or co-authorship on articles, and conference presentations. Ensure That the data you collect belongs to and is easily accessed by the communities or nations you are working with, without being hidden behind a paywall.
- When conducting research on Tribal Lands, it is essential to first consult the Tribal IRB).
By following the guidelines, researchers can foster meaningful relationships with the tribal nations based on respect and maintain a commitment to ethical research practices.
The IRB Process with Indigenous Tribes: Building Relationships with Tribal Nations
Dr. Talbert highlights the inherent sovereignty of Tribes. She notes, "Each tribe in the United States is a unique sovereign nation. So just like when you [do] IRB, to do research in another country, you have to know what the Protocols are in France, or Japan or Kenya, you need to know what they are for the Tribe you are working with." This implies the need for researchers to approach each tribal nation with the same level of respect and diligence as they would when conducting research in other countries.
The importance of respecting each tribe's sovereignty is a recurring theme for Dr. Talbert. She advises researchers to first learn about a tribe's specific policies, and governing processes, stating, "Most tribes have a website that you can go through and contact them via email or phone."
Dr. Talbert suggests that the ethical approach to research with Indigenous tribes goes beyond mere procedural compliance. She advocates for a relationship-oriented perspective, emphasizing that research should ideally be instigated at the request of the tribe itself. Researchers should align their research aims with the needs and goals of the tribal communities they will work with.
Dr. Talbert's emphasis on relationship-building highlights a shift from traditional, often extractive research methodologies towards more collaborative and respectful practices. She believes that a research project should emerge organically from an established relationship, where the researcher's role is responsive to the needs and priorities expressed by Native Peoples.
Encountering Difficulties in the IRB Process
Talbert identifies the unique challenges researchers face when navigating the IRB process with Indigenous tribes. A significant issue she identifies is the lack of a standard requirement across universities to consult with tribal nations. "Most universities’ IRBs don't make you go that extra mile," she remarks, highlighting a gap in the current research protocols. This oversight can lead to research that does not fully respect the sovereignty and specific needs of tribal nations.
Dr. Talbert sheds light on the systemic issues contributing to this problem, which are rooted in colonial education. She explains that this stems from a broader societal lack of understanding about tribal sovereignty, noting, "We’re not taught to think about tribal nations as distinct sovereign nations. Settler ignorance is baked into our educational system." This ignorance, according to Dr. Talbert, results from an education system that fails to adequately address the history and current status of Indigenous peoples, thus perpetuating a lack of awareness in research practices.”
Finding Information and Resources on Indigenous Research Ethics
On the topic of resources for understanding Indigenous research ethics, Dr. Talbert provides practical advice. She recommends starting with online resources, such as the CITI Program course on research with Native American communities and articles from the National Institutes of Health. As part of research compliance training, IRB specialists use the “Institutional Review Board: Management and Function” reference book which specifically includes content pertaining to research ethics and tribal nations. Dr. Talbert emphasizes that these should be seen as starting points, not comprehensive guides as each tribe is unique and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Talbert stresses the importance of embracing non-extractive research practices. She advises researchers to engage in work that is not only compliant with tribal protocols but also meaningful and beneficial to the tribal communities. She suggests that researchers should read about Indigenous research methodologies and think critically about non-extractive ways of conducting their study. She recommends materials like Shawn Wilson’s "Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods" and the “Handbook of Critical and Indigenous Methodologies” for deeper insights into respectful indigenous research approaches.
Conclusion
Dr. Rachel Talbert's interview offers crucial insights in Indigenous research ethics, highlighting the need for mindfulness in academic approaches. Her emphasis on understanding the unique sovereignty of each tribal nation, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the critical questioning of research intentions and benefits underscores a move towards more respectful, collaborative, and meaningful research practices.
References
Researcher Highlights: Conducting Culturally Responsive Research Across Borders
- Wilson, S. (2020). Research is ceremony: Indigenous research methods. Fernwood publishing.
- Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research (PRIM&R), Bankert, E., Gordon, B., & Hurley, E. (2021). Institutional Review Board: Management and Function (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Research with Native American Communities | CITI Program. (n.d.). Https://About.citiprogram.org/. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://about.citiprogram.org/course/research-with-native-american-communities-important-considerations-when-applying-federal-regulations/
- Around Him, D., Andalcio Aguilar, T., Frederick, A., Larsen, H., Seiber, M., & Angal, J. (2019). Tribal IRBs: A Framework for Understanding Research Oversight in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 26(2), 71–95. https://doi.org/10.5820/aian.2602.2019.71
- Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., & Smith, L. T. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of critical and indigenous methodologies. Sage.
- Henderson, J. N. (2018). Personal Experiences with Tribal IRBs, Hidden Hegemony of Researchers, and the Need for an Inter-cultural Approach: Views from an American Indian Researcher. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(1), 44–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073110518766007
- Straits, K. J. E., Bird, D. M., Tsinajinnie, E., Espinoza, J., Goodkind, J., Spencer, O., Tafoya, N., Willging, C. & the Guiding Principles Workgroup. (2012). Guiding Principles for Engaging in Research with Native American Communities, Version 1. UNM Center for Rural and Community Behavioral Health & Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center.