U of T’s Indigenous Research Network (IRN) is working to promote and engage in ethical and beneficial research that serves to empower Indigenous peoples. The IRN aims to shift how Indigenous research is understood in the institutional setting as well as how Indigenous research data is collected, used, and shared.
In 2022, the IRN collaborated with the Centre for Research and Innovation Support (CRIS) on a study to understand how research data management (RDM) at U of T can better address the values and priorities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) peoples. The project evolved from a larger initiative supported by Compute Ontario, that looked widely at the RDM needs of U of T’s research community.
The IRN collaborated with CRIS to conduct consultations with Indigenous researchers at the university. These showed an urgency for a range of centralized RDM supports and systems for research by and with FNMI peoples, including creating a single point of access to communicate current and emerging RDM expectations around Indigenous research. Study insights are captured in a final report, “Reflecting Our Diverse Scholarship and Communities: Considerations for Research Data Management Practices” submitted by Dale Turner, a professor in U of T’s Department of Political Science and Director of the IRN, and Barbara Fallon, a professor in U of T’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and U of T's Associate-Vice President, Research.
The study also led to the creation of an IRN-led working group that was tasked with continuing the research into what data policies, processes, training, and management tools are needed to engage Indigenous communities and values.
The IRN has incorporated the findings from the study and the working group discussions into its strategic plan and will rollout tools and resources on its website over the coming years as part of its mission to propel Indigenous research excellence at U of T.
The launch of the IRN responds to the 34 Calls to Action set out in Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin Final Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.