It’s About: Indigenous Research Values
In Indigenous ways of knowing, knowledge must be in harmony with societal impact. For academics this means that there is a responsibility not only to conduct research that sheds light on pressing issues but also catalyzes positive change. In embarking on a journey into the heart of Indigenous mental health and wellness, this paper is guided by the imperative of ethical engagement and the necessity to confront structural power dynamics.
Despite international recognition of Indigenous rights, communities continue to grapple with the enduring effects of colonialism. Policies that disregard Indigenous sovereignty, sanitize history, or marginalize cultural perspectives serve only to exacerbate the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples. This sobering truth underscores the necessity of our call in Frontiers. Rooted in the understanding that power imbalances underpin systemic injustices, this call urges researchers to examine the covert forces that perpetuate inequality and discrimination. Specifically, it prompts exploration into how policy has been weaponized, to expose how seemingly neutral policies covertly uphold biased systems.
The call for research on covert power structures is not a mere intellectual exercise—it is a rallying cry for justice, equity, and solidarity. It is a recognition that true progress can only be achieved by confronting the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface. By exposing the mechanisms of power hoarding and discrimination, we pave the way for transformative action and systemic change. This call speaks to the very heart of social justice movements, challenging us to confront our complicity in systems of oppression and to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
By centering Indigenous perspectives and empowering communities to reclaim their narrative, we lay the foundation for a future where mental health and wellness are not just aspirations but fundamental human rights.
In the context of Indigenous mental health and wellness, this call takes on added urgency. It has nurtured academic work of Indigenous authors who demonstrate the profound impact that research can have on the lives of Indigenous Peoples, offering not only insights into their struggles but also pathways towards healing and resilience. By centering Indigenous perspectives and empowering communities to reclaim their narrative, we lay the foundation for a future where mental health and wellness are not just aspirations but fundamental human rights.
The journey towards ethical research and empowerment is fraught with challenges, but also brimming with possibilities. This paper has the power to guide a redefinition of the role of research within society, and challenges entrenched power structures, to help build a future where all voices are heard and respected.
Note: This series highlights articles from the recently published special issue of Frontiers in Psychology, “Power, Discrimination, and Privilege in Individuals and Institutions,” edited by Sonya Faber, Monnica T. Williams, Matthew D. Skinta, and Bia Labate.
Morisana, Dominique, Robinson, Margaret, Rush, Brian, & Linklater, Renee (2024). Conducting research with Indigenous Peoples in Canada: ethical and policy considerations. Frontiers in Psychology 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1214121
Art by Trey Brasher.
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