Building Inuit self-determination in research through the implementation of the Inuit Health Survey - Mona Belleau, Kristeen McTavish

In recent years, Inuit have become increasingly involved in health research activities taking place in Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit Homeland); however, colonial approaches to research endure, particularly in the realm of health research. Inuit are still not consistently involved in setting the research agenda, establishing and monitoring compliance with ethical guidelines, and determining how data and information are collected, analyzed, stored, used, and shared. Advancing Inuit governance in health research is imperative for ensuring Inuit are engaged in all steps of the research process. It will also greatly enhance the efficacy, impact, and cultural relevance of research relating to Inuit and Inuit Nunangat and ensure that research result in the improvement of health and wellbeing for Inuit.

The National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR) advocates for research that empowers Inuit and meets the needs of Inuit families and communities. It describes five priority areas for Inuit research, including advancing Inuit governance in research, enhancing the ethical conduct of research, aligning funding with Inuit research priorities, ensuring Inuit access, ownership and control over data and information, and building capacity in Inuit Nunangat research.