Indigenous Research Governance (Hybrid)

Course Description: LAW 631U (1 credit)

Indigenous self-determination in research prioritizes Indigenous values, Indigenous control of research processes, and Indigenous community relations, all which challenge longstanding practices that enable non-Indigenous researchers to claim expert status over Indigenous Peoples, places, and knowledges. The development of tribal legislation, policy, and research review mechanisms has been key to articulating Indigenous rights and interests and reclaiming control of the research process and definitions of knowledge. At the same time, mainstream governments and institutions continue to oversee research via guidelines, institutional review boards, and externally-defined policies and practices. This course uses codes, policies, and protocols to consider the historical, ethical, and policy contexts for increasing self-determination for Indigenous Peoples in research in light of the current national and international policy climate.

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between research governance and sovereignty;

• Discern how Indigenous research governance may differ from mainstream research governance; and

• Understand different features of review mechanisms that govern research with Indigenous Peoples, nations, communities, and lands.

Course Format (Online & On Campus)

Students will meet on campus for three consecutive afternoons at the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona and online via Zoom livestream.

Readings and Syllabus

Attendance & Participation

Registration