Indigenous methodologies walking together in a good way: urban Indigenous collective governance in health research

Abstract

Indigenous methodology is a living methodology of doing research in a good way that honours respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities in which knowledge is co-created and ownership is shared. Guided by Indigenous methodologies, the Urban Indigenous Collective Governance Circle was co-developed for urban Indigenous health research. The Collective Governance uses approaches that stay true to the connectedness of Traditional Knowledges, Indigenous protocols, and relational processes. Relationality ensures guidance from knowledge, experiences, and wisdom of community members participating in, leading, and benefitted by the research. The Governance Circle ensures that self-determination and self-governance is realized through Indigenous health research; research responsive to community-identified priorities, leadership, control, approval, and community ownership. The Collective Governance embraces ethical, respectful, and reciprocal research through a shared process to address health equity for urban Indigenous Peoples. We share insights and recommendations on how to support meaningful urban Indigenous-led community health research.