Indigenous Research Policy
Centering Indigenous Leadership in Research
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) developed its Research Policy to address a long-standing gap in how research involving Indigenous communities is conducted. Too often, research has been extractive—taking knowledge without building relationships, reciprocity, or meaningful benefit for the communities involved.
This policy was created to shift that approach. It establishes a clear framework for conducting research that is grounded in economic reconciliation and supports Indigenous-led prosperity. It guides not only IPC’s work, but also partners including the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP).
At its core, the policy ensures that research is done with Indigenous communities, not on them. It emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, consent, and accountability, while recognizing that Indigenous Nations are the rightful holders of their knowledge, data, and stories.
The policy aligns with national ethical standards, including the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2, Chapter 9), while also recognizing that Indigenous-led approaches must take precedence where needed. It is grounded in three key principles: respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice.
By putting this policy in place, IPC is reinforcing a commitment to research that is ethical, relational, and community-driven—ensuring that knowledge generation supports Indigenous priorities, strengthens trust, and contributes to long-term prosperity.
This policy was created to shift that approach. It establishes a clear framework for conducting research that is grounded in economic reconciliation and supports Indigenous-led prosperity. It guides not only IPC’s work, but also partners including the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP).
At its core, the policy ensures that research is done with Indigenous communities, not on them. It emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, consent, and accountability, while recognizing that Indigenous Nations are the rightful holders of their knowledge, data, and stories.
The policy aligns with national ethical standards, including the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2, Chapter 9), while also recognizing that Indigenous-led approaches must take precedence where needed. It is grounded in three key principles: respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice.
By putting this policy in place, IPC is reinforcing a commitment to research that is ethical, relational, and community-driven—ensuring that knowledge generation supports Indigenous priorities, strengthens trust, and contributes to long-term prosperity.