RI-MUHC EDI team hosts three key events for Truth and Reconciliation month to promote inclusivity for Indigenous communities in research
SOURCE: RI-MUHC
Oct 9, 2024
Institutionalized by the Parliament of Canada in 2021, Orange Shirt Day is a collective commemoration of the atrocities experienced by Indigenous children who attended residential schools, as well as their families. This day aims to highlight the importance of raising awareness among the Canadian population about the ongoing impacts of colonization and to encourage both individual and collective reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples, while acknowledging the systemic barriers they still face.
In honour of this day, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team and Truth and Reconciliation Working Group at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) hosted three key events focused on educating the community on Indigenous history and realities, as well as promoting inclusivity for Indigenous people in research. The Truth and Reconciliation days at the RI-MUHC reflect the RI-MUHC’s commitment to advancing research that not only benefits Indigenous communities but also respects their cultural values and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive research environment.
“The RI-MUHC is committed to the process of Truth and Reconciliation. We support health research that sustains respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, including collaborations focused on respiratory disease care and prevention in Inuit communities; training programs for community health workers in Nunavik; Indigenous participation in all levels of healthcare services; and improving diagnostic tools and care for infectious diseases,” said Gilbert Tordjman, Chief Operating and Development officer at the RI-MUHC.
On September 18, an interactive webinar was held where attendees explored ways to enrich their research teams with Indigenous perspectives. Led by Chantal Fraser from Indigenous Link, who is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, the session provided practical and actionable approaches to attract, recruit and hire Indigenous talent. Participants discovered strategies to connect with Indigenous candidates, uncover their skills and experiences, understand the barriers they may face, reflect on their own biases and build a foundation for long-term employee engagement and retention. Fraser emphasized the need to implement metrics to evaluate the institution’s ability to attract and retain Indigenous candidates, using testimonials showcasing the contribution of Indigenous people to the work environment and going beyond standardized processes to consider linguistic and cultural differences during hiring. She highlighted, for example, the importance of silence in Indigenous cultures during interviews, which can sometimes be misunderstood; the valuation of community work in Indigenous CVs; and the importance of being mindful of disparities in internet access when disseminating job opportunities. Fraser encouraged reflecting on our biases when encountering such differences.
On September 27 two events were held at the Cruess Auditorium, including a conference led by Jocelyn Sioui titled “Mononk Jules: A Unique Exploration of First Nations History.” A member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Jocelyn captivated the audience with his storytelling, highlighting the historical struggles of First Nations. “There is so much we don’t learn in school. All we know is that the English fought the French,” he said. “My show offers a unique opportunity to understand the hardships that Indigenous people have endured, including the ongoing fight for basic human rights.” Audience members were treated to a segment of his show featuring miniatures and projections that honoured the story of his great-uncle, Jules Sioui, a pioneer in First Nations rights.
Following this thought-provoking presentation, Diego Herrera, Chair of the EDI Advisory Committee, moderated the final event: a discussion panel on making research more inclusive for and with Indigenous peoples. “We believe it is important to open our research practices and spaces to the concepts and practices that Indigenous peoples have developed, enriching the knowledge we produce, explained Sonia Rea, Director of People and Culture at the RI-MUHC. “To create research and workplaces beneficial to Indigenous communities, we need mechanisms to listen to them and invite their equitable participation in our projects.”
Panelists included Bertie Wapachee, Director, Chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay; Isabelle Duguay, PhD, Assistant Director of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay; and Dr. Romina Pace, a Junior Scientist with the Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC) Program at the RI-MUHC.
Bertie Wapachee spoke about the concept of collective accountability in reconciliation, highlighting that it is the responsibility not only of Indigenous people, but of everyone alike. Both researchers and non-researchers need to contribute to truth and reconciliation. This shared commitment is essential for fostering meaningful partnerships and ensuring that research truly benefits Indigenous communities.
The panelists from the Cree Board of Health and Social Services presented the Miyupimaatisiiun Research Principles to guide researchers in respecting the Cree worldview, culture, and history. These principles emphasize the necessity of establishing reciprocal relationships when conducting research with the Cree Nation. They also outlined the specific steps researchers must follow to ensure their work is conducted ethically and in accordance with these principles.
Dr. Pace also illustrated the use of the photovoice technique, a powerful methodology that allows Indigenous individuals to express their experiences on sensitive health issues through photography. This approach not only facilitates open dialogue but also empowers Indigenous communities by giving them the agency to represent and address their issues in collectively meaningful ways.
The audience engaged in discussions about safeguarding Indigenous peoples' rights to their own data, including safe practices for collecting sensitive information such as blood samples. This dialogue underscored the urgent necessity of ethical standards that honour the autonomy of Indigenous communities throughout the research process.
The panel sparked a powerful reflection on the profound transformative role of Indigenous perspectives in health research. Mr. Wapachee highlighted how research has the power to either intensify marginalization or empower communities, emphasizing that research should be viewed as an act of reconciliation. By weaving together the rigor of scientific inquiry with the wisdom of Indigenous traditions, different knowledge systems not only coexist but actively enrich each other. This turns research into a tool for reconciliation, healing, and empowerment. This message resonated deeply, reinforcing the notion that true progress lies in honouring diverse ways of knowing. To move forward, researchers must be willing to adjust their projects, reflect on their own perspectives and positions, and humbly accept the opportunity to learn from others.
As Mr. Wapachee shared, “Science is a great thing, but traditional knowledge can be a powerful partner for the future. When you combine science and tradition, you create what is likely the most impactful research.”
A special thank you goes to the Truth and Reconciliation Working Group members Diego Herrera, Aurore Palanque, William Changizi, Alexandra Kindrat and Julie O'Reilly, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing these important events to life. Their commitment to fostering dialogue and promoting understanding helped make this powerful exchange of knowledge and perspectives possible.