Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch
Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch (MEW) is now operating under the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM).
At Chapel Island on July 25, 1999, the Sante’ Mawio’mi (Grand Council) established a committee to study and develop principles and protocols that will protect the integrity and cultural knowledge of the Mi’kmaw people. The committee examined the issues involved in research among Indigenous peoples, and developed a set of standards so that Mi’kmaw people are informed of research, are treated fairly and ethically during their participation in research and have an opportunity to benefit from any research conducted among them.
The name Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch (MEW), called Eskinuapimk, was inspired by a held position in the Grand Council, a person who stands at the door of the Grand Council Wigwam and is responsible for anyone entering the wigwam, directing them to the appropriate protocols, seating for discussion, etc., while also overseeing and guarding the opening of the wigwam. It was suggested as the appropriate word for the necessary watch of the protocol for entering, researching and protecting Mi’kmaw knowledge.
MEW continues to encourage the highest standards of ethical research of Mi’kmaw people with the importance placed on cultural sensitivity and protocols, informed and prior consent, capacity building in the development of research in communities, the protection of Indigenous knowledge and self-determination, and the inclusion of Mi’kmaq perspectives and voice in the interpretations and conclusions drawn from the research. The principles and protocols are also intended to guide research and studies in a manner that will guarantee that the right of ownership rests with Mi’kmaw People.
Please review the full MEW Toolkit here.
Research Exemptions
All research involving collective Mi’kmaw knowledge, culture, arts, spirituality, or traditions, or having the potential to impact treaty or Indigenous rights must be reviewed by Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch.
There are four categories of research that fall outside the purview of MEW and therefore are exempt from review:
1) Undergraduate Research (Excluding honours),
2) Research in Preschool-12 Contexts,
3) Books and Manuscripts,
4) Secondary Data.
Please review the full list of exemption criteria.
If your research falls into the criteria for exemption, please complete the Research Exemption Form.
MEW Toolkit
Cape Breton University is Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch’s administrative home; however, it exists autonomous from this institution. Please do not contact CBU’s REB with questions related to the MEW process. For information pertaining to Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch process or application please visit the MEW Website.
Resources:
- Research Involving First Nations, Inuit & Métis Peoples of Canada (TCPS 2 – Module 9)
- Full TCPS 2 Tutorial – Course on Research Ethics (CORE)
- Cape Breton University’s Research Ethics Board
- CBU REB Indigenous Research Info Sheet
- The L’nu Resource Centre (located off CBU’s Beaton Institute).
- The First Nations Principles of OCAP® – A set of standards standing for ownership, control, access and possession
