Indigenous Research Ethics and Data Sovereignty

Engaging Indigenous communities in research, promoting capacity building and mutual respect.

Formalized agreements to ensure trust and privacy when sharing data.

Collaborative projects adhere to these principles to empower communities in data collection and analysis.

Indigenous peoples have the right to control their data according to Indigenous laws, practices, and customs.

Foundational right of Indigenous peoples to govern education, health, law, and cultural heritage.

First Nations not recognized as governments under Canada's Access to Information Act, hindering data exchange.

Canada's Access to Information Act allows withholding data under broad categories, such as ongoing investigations or economic interests.

Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada controls over 200 categories of data related to Indigenous peoples, limiting community access.

A practice where hospitals notify child welfare agencies of a newborn, potentially leading to apprehension.

Violence embedded in societal structures, not just individual acts, through unjust power exertion.

Actions taken by child welfare agencies to protect children, but often disproportionately impacting Indigenous mothers.

Indigenous women who disproportionately face child welfare interventions.

A historical Canadian government policy aiming to assimilate Indigenous children by suppressing their culture.

Progressive end of birth alerts across several provinces recognizing harm to Indigenous populations.

Eliminated birth alerts in Ontario due to their harmful impact on Indigenous women

Strategies to address issues before they escalate, instead of penalizing.

Statistics Canada data from 2006 showcasing demographics of Indigenous women across Canada including population, regional distribution, and age.

Ontario had the largest Indigenous female population in 2006 (124,900), making up 21% of Canada's Indigenous female population.

The median age for Indigenous women in 2006 was 27.7 years, significantly lower than the 40.5 years for non-Indigenous women.

In 2006, a significant portion (46%) of Indigenous females were children and youth, including those under 15 (28%) and 15-24 age groups (18%)

Inuit women in 2006 had a median age of 22.3 years.

Indigenous females comprised 16% of all females in Manitoba.

In 2006, 86% of the female population in Nunavut were Inuit.

In 2006, Alberta had the largest Métis population at 22%

People who live in or have ties to a specific geographic area, often with their own institutions and cultures, who seek to remain distinct from the settler society.

Controlling or governing a territory or people, often involving a dominant nation and creating systems that enable it.

Large-scale immigration by a group to replace or displace the original population, motivated by economic, religious or political reasons.

Colonization focused on exploiting resources or using Indigenous peoples as labor.

Foreign power supporting the settlement of a non-native group on land occupied by indigenous peoples

Structural, political, and economic inequalities within a state between regions (or groups).

Systematic destruction of a group's cultural institutions and practices aimed at permanently destroying their culture.

Canadian law that significantly impacted Indigenous peoples over the past 150 years with discriminatory policies and practices

Forced boarding schools for Indigenous children with the goals, often violent, to assimilate them into European society

The national apprehension of Indigenous children and relocation to non-Indigenous homes in various countries.

Past injustices and discrimination affect Indigenous women's pregnancy and birthing experiences, creating barriers and impacting healthcare.

Healthcare that respects and incorporates the cultural values and beliefs of the patient.

Healthcare provided within the community, often proving more efficient and supportive than mainstream services.

A midwife role encompassing multifaceted duties like teacher, healer, caregiver, nurturer, dietician, deliverer, and a spiritual advisor in some communities.

Indigenous cultures often emphasize spiritual connection during childbirth, such as specific practices to avoid discouraging the baby.

Cultural ceremonies, like smudging and sweat lodges, are powerful tools for emotional, spiritual, and communal healing.

In some Indigenous cultures, knots are avoided during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce risk of a nuchal cord (cord around the baby's neck).

Challenges of accessing healthcare due to geographical locations and limited transport options.

Healing practices involve the whole community, especially families and children, to ensure intergenerational learning and support.

Mothers facing emotional isolation while travelling for intrapartum maternity care, and separation from loved ones are a significant factor.

Ceremonies can provide support and a sense of purpose for individuals facing challenges like addiction or trauma, promoting sobriety.

Indigenous healthcare (Circle of Care) addresses the complete well-being of a person – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, recognizing cultural practices' importance.

Engaging in traditional practices helps Indigenous women feel empowered, connected to their community, and maintain their cultural identity.

Ceremonies and cultural services need to include children to carry on traditions and build a strong community.

Indigenous cultural practices like smudging need to be accessible in everyday life for healing and support, especially for people in recovery.

A powerful time for Indigenous ceremonies, emphasizing cultural awareness and acknowledgment.