The Curriculum
Research that Benefits Native People is an important tool for current and aspiring tribal researchers, leaders, their staff and Native citizens. Historically, researchers and anthropologists have visited our communities to extract information from our people, frequently misinterpreting and misusing it. They have minimized the validity of our indigenous knowledge. As sovereign nations, tribes have a role in the research that is conducted in their communities and in regulating that research which occurs on their land and with their citizens.
Developed by tribal leaders, researchers, practitioners and students, this five module curriculum answers the many calls from tribal leaders who, for years, have wanted resources to make better decisions about proposed research in their communities. The curriculum covers the most critical issues facing Native communities interested in research, including considerations for establishing and utilizing research review policies and boards to protect communities from harm, selecting a suitable research partner, applying values and ethics as guides throughout research projects and understanding program evaluation. Most importantly, the curriculum reinforces the validity of our Indigenous ways of knowing and reminds us and others that their value is equal to western research standards.
Our Partners
The curriculum was developed in partnership with the following organizations.
