Panelists will describe creative research projects that impact communities, and discuss new models for research ethics in Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit contexts.

This event will launch the new guideline statement, In a Good Way: Principles Guiding Indigenous Research Ethics at Emily Carr University.

Panelists:

Nakkita Trimble has been instrumental in the re-claiming of Nisga’a tattooing methods of skin stitching and hand poking - techniques her ancestors would have used. Nakkita’s first exhibit was a solo exhibit at the Nisga’a Museum in Grenville, British Columbia in 2014. The exhibit featured the oral history of Nisga’a Tattooing prior to contact. The oral history was passed down from Freda Morven and the Council of Elders comprised of some Matriarchs and Chiefs of the four main villages in the Nass Valley. The exhibit featured the first modern recorded oral statement of Nisga’a Tattooing practices, techniques, and ceremonies. Nakkita is currently exhibiting her art form at the Bill Reid Gallery. Nakkita’s tattoos connect generations, helping individuals reconnect with their identity while developing pride and curiosity for their family histories, stories, and traditions. With her intuitive understanding and practiced skill in tattooing, Nakkita’s work has been featured widely in public presentations, radio, and print publications.

Alison Collins-Mrakas is the Director, Research Ethics for York University. Alison Collins-Mrakas will discuss the development of a research ethics board dedicated to Indigenous research at York University. She is responsible for the management and oversight of policy, processes, and procedures as they relate to research involving humans, animals, and biological agents, as well as Research Integrity. She provides a variety of advisory resources for faculty and student researchers including one-on-one consultations, group presentations as well as monthly brown bag seminars on topics in research ethics. Collins-Mrakas holds a Master of Science as well as a Master of Laws. Alison is an avid rower who has competed at Royal Canadian Henley, FISA Masters World championships and the famed Boston Head of the Charles.

Tara Erb is of mixed Moose Cree First Nation from Moose Factory and French European ancestry and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Victoria (UVic) and a Master of Arts in Sociology (UVic), with a research focus on facilitating Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism training. Tara is currently completing her PhD in Social Dimensions of Health (UVic) with a research focus on Indigenous Cultural Safety in Research Environments/Structures. She is a research assistant on various projects, one of which developed an Indigenous-led cultural safety training (ICST) impact assessment tool in collaboration with four post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island, BC. Her research interests include: Indigenous health and wellness, Indigenous cultural safety, anti-Indigenous racism and social theory. Currently, Tara is the Network Coordinator of the BC NEIHR residing as a guest on the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEC peoples territory.

Panel Moderator:

Hillary Webb is the Systems and Technical Services Librarian at Emily Carr University.

Event Host:

Lois Klassen is the Research Ethics Coordinator at Emily Carr University.

The CCR series is hosted by Research Ethics Offices at Emily Carr and OCAD Universities with funding from Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research (Government of Canada) Education and Training Support Grant.