The Manitoulin Anishinaabek Research Review Committee (MARRC) is officially becoming part of Kenjgewin Teg.
President Dr. Beverley Roy says it will strengthen Indigenous-led research ethics, community-based research leadership, and culturally grounded research practices across Mnidoo Mnising.
She says as they build their own vision for Anishinabek research, they thank the committee and Noojmowin Teg Health Centre for their dedication over the last 25 years.
Roy adds it continues to serve as a community-based screening tool to support decision-making about research ethics.
She says the committee dates back to March 2001, when the Noojmowin Teg Health Access Centre hosted a conference on Manitoulin Island. providing a forum to share experiences with health research and discuss what ethical research should look like from a First Nations perspective. Participants developed the vision and formed the committee (between Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, Mnaamodzawin Health Services, M’Chigeeng Health Services, Wikwemikong Health Centre, and Kenjgewin Teg), which the put the Guidelines for Ethical Aboriginal Research (GEAR) Framework in place.
She adds the framework guides communities in determining whether proposed research respects Anishinaabe customs, culture, and values, and whether it aligns with the vision for culturally appropriate research on Manitoulin Island.
As a service to First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations, MARRC reviews research proposals and provides recommendations to researchers and community partners to support informed decision-making and ethical research planning.
Researchers are required to submit a completed ethics application and supporting documentation, which is then reviewed by a sub-committee guided by local Indigenous ethics and research principles.
Review outcomes are communicated back to researchers and community partners, typically within an established review timeline.
