September 29, 2026 

By Mariana Carrillo Miranda

The Smart Prosperity Institute held a capacity-building session for non-Indigenous researchers working with First Nations communities and governments in early 2025. At the event, we heard from social science researchers conducting policy-relevant projects in close collaboration with and for the benefit of First Nations communities across Canada.

The purpose was to create a venue for co-learning among non-Indigenous researchers to deepen their understanding of, and commitment to, responsible research practices that underpin meaningful, collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities and governments and contribute to Reconciliation. To watch a recording of the session, click here.

This blog highlights quotes from speakers and expands on key learnings and considerations when conducting research with and for Indigenous Peoples. The reflections below are framed as practices that researchers may consider applying as they engage in their own work. These insights draw upon the experiences of individuals, are context-dependent, and may not apply in every case. Together, they emphasize the importance of practices including ongoing learning and reflexivity, investing time to build collaborative partnerships, and ensuring knowledge is shared in ways that respect community preferences.

1) Start with self-education and reflexivity

“Today is about two things: taking responsibility and learning. It is our task as non-Indigenous folks to self-educate and commit to responsible research practices.”

This step reflects a commitment to doing the foundational work yourself without placing the responsibility on Indigenous partners. Begin by understanding your position as a non-Indigenous researcher and how your personal background, academic foundation, and perspective can shape the research lens.

Before approaching a community or designing a research project, take the time to learn about the history, governance structures, priorities and practices of the Nation you want to work with. This learning should shape your research design and help assess whether and how your project  serves the community. Ask yourself: How does your research contribute to the goals, priorities, and well-being of the community?

2) Build relationships through collaborative and ethical partnerships

“The openness and willingness to share their knowledge with me was the thing that allowed this research to happen.”

Approach the research as an opportunity to build a meaningful relationship. Meaningful collaboration takes time, so it is important to listen, to learn, and focus more on the process rather than the outcome. This may entail adjusting the project design, timelines, and outputs to reflect a community’s preferences and priorities, as well as what you learn in the process.

“We must ensure that research underpins meaningful and collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities… and contributes to Reconciliation.”

Meaningfully involve Indigenous partners throughout the research process - from defining priorities and co-designing the project to producing and sharing knowledge (as appropriate). This means going beyond consultation, toward co-creation and valuing community expertise.

3) Follow community protocols for knowledge sharing

“I share the story. I'm a storyteller of the project, but I will never share Indigenous knowledge, because it is something that should be done by Indigenous Peoples in a way that is respectful and ethically sound.”

Respecting community preferences or protocols requires acknowledging that some knowledge is not yours to share. This includes recognizing and respecting the sacredness of some Indigenous traditional knowledge. Maintain open communication with the community about what information can be shared publicly and be prepared to adapt formats or tools to reflect their preferences.

Applying these learnings will help ensure that Reconciliation is not an add-on to your research but is instead embedded throughout the process. This approach supports work that is beneficial, supportive, and aligned with Indigenous priorities, whether through policy impact, amplifying community-led solutions, and/or capacity-building.

The Smart Prosperity Institute would like to thank Dr. Diane-Laure Arjaliès and Michaela Sidloski for sharing their expertise and insights. To learn more about their research, please visit the following links:

• Scaling investment in nature-based solutions - the “made in Canada” conservation impact bond (blog post and media coverage) – Dr. Diane-Laure Arjaliès
• Multi-Level Governance and Climate Change Adaptation Planning (blog post and Working Paper) – Michaela Sidloski