Applying the 5 R’s of Indigenous Research in Practice: Graduate Student and Van Tat Gwich’in Elder Reflections in Old Crow, Yukon

Abstract

Abstract:  There is growing recognition that research with Indigenous communities should foster reconciliation and support self-determination. Research frameworks like the 5 R’s—Respect, Relationship, Relevance, Reciprocity, and Responsibility—can help Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners work together in a good way. In this article, the authors, guided by Elder Mary Jane Moses of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Old Crow, Yukon, reflect on the 5 R principles in the context of a graduate student’s research, and discuss ways to implement the principles into a wildlife monitoring project. We find that discussing and implementing these principles during all stages of the research process creates the space for respecful, ethical, and effective knowledge sharing between research collaborators. By sharing our experience, we hope to inspire other researchers to pause and reflect to ensure that we all conduct our research in a good way.