Building Research Relationships with Indigenous Communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada

Historically, research involving Indigenous Peoples was often conducted on communities rather than with them. Knowledge Keeper Judy Pelly notes that these experiences left many First Nations communities feeling they had been "researched to death," reinforcing distrust toward research and the institutions that conducted it.

Recognizing the need for a different approach to Indigenous research, the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR), in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples' Health Research Centre, First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina, developed a series of training modules including Building Research Relationships with Indigenous Communities (BRRIC). Launched in 2019, BRRIC became the first training module of its kind in Canada.

As Dr. Cassandra J. Opikokew Wajuntah reflects, “BRRIC was never intended simply as research training; rather, it was designed to transform how research relationships are built by centering Indigenous sovereignty, relational accountability, and culturally safe engagement.” The goal was not only to increase researchers’ knowledge, but to fundamentally change how they approach Indigenous communities, moving beyond transactional research practices toward respectful, reciprocal, and relationship-based partnerships.

Created by Indigenous professionals, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous Patient Partners and community members, BRRIC is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and community priorities. Knowledge Keepers Judy Pelly and the late Gilbert Kewistep helped shape the curriculum to ensure it reflected Indigenous perspectives and lived realities.

For many participants, BRRIC provides their first opportunity to understand the historical context that continues to influence Indigenous research today. Participants are encouraged to reflect on Indigenous histories, colonialism, governance, cultural protocols, and the responsibilities researchers hold when entering relationships with Indigenous Nations. One participant shared: “This session helped me realize that there are many things I didn’t know about the history of research with Indigenous peoples. And I realized (again) that for many reasons, despite good intent and education, I have big cultural blind spots.”

Knowledge Keeper Judy Pelly believes BRRIC is one of the strongest educational resources she has encountered for helping people understand colonization and the lasting impacts of unethical research. She emphasizes that ethical relationships must come before research and that this learning is valuable not only for researchers, but for anyone whose work intersects with Indigenous communities.

Originally facilitated in-person, during the COVID-19 pandemic, BRRIC transitioned to include online delivery, significantly expanding its reach to include researchers, students, health professionals, and others from across Canada and internationally. One participant observed: "I was surprised to see the international demand for this session…it was valuable to have these additional perspectives and know that people outside of Saskatchewan care deeply about these issues or want to learn from what we are doing here."

The growing interest soon led to new collaborations. Organizations in British Columbia worked with SCPOR to develop a B.C. specific BRRIC that reflected local Indigenous histories and research frameworks. Similar partnerships have since supported the development of Yukon-specific BRRIC, while organizations in the Northwest Territories have expressed interest in creating their own regional adaptations. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, each version reflects the unique histories, governance, and priorities of the Indigenous communities it serves.

To address growing demand, SCPOR developed a self-directed online version of BRRIC, making the training more accessible while preserving opportunities for individual reflection. Through a partnership with FNUniv, BRRIC also became part of a micro-credential pathway alongside the SCPOR-developed Indigenous Research Methodologies and Indigenous Data Sovereignty courses. Today, BRRIC is SCPOR’s most widely accessed Indigenous research learning opportunity and often serves as the entry point for individuals beginning their Indigenous learning journey.

The impact of BRRIC extends beyond individual learners; Universities, research ethics boards, research organizations, governments, and professional networks across Canada recognize BRRIC as an important resource when preparing individuals to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities. Since its launch, more than 466 participants have completed the training.

What began as a Saskatchewan initiative has evolved into a nationally recognized model for Indigenous research education. By helping researchers build respectful relationships, supporting regionally adapted learning, and promoting Indigenous-led approaches to research, BRRIC is transforming how people engage with Indigenous communities across research, healthcare, education, government, and other sectors. In the words of Knowledge Keeper Judy Pelly, “BRRIC is more than research training; it is a tool for reconciliation, relationship building, accountability and systemic change.”