In recognition of distinct Indigenous knowledges and approaches to research and to ensure that appropriate sensitivity to cultural and community rights, roles and responsibilities is applied to all research projects conducted through York University, a fully autonomous research ethics review board has been established to govern the review of all research involving Indigenous Peoples. 

The Indigenous Research Ethics Board (IREB) will be guided by the responsibility of ensuring researchers respect the safety, welfare, dignity, rights and diversity of human experience and participants in their research and treat them equally and fairly – never as a means to an end. In order to have a wholistic review of research ethics applications, each application will be reviewed by an academic researcher, community member, and Elder/Knowledge Keeper. Applications that cause reviewers concern or are deemed to be high risk will be reviewed by the full IREB. 

This IREB is a new venture for both York University and the broader post-secondary sector. The creation of the IREB has come from the work of Indigenous scholars, Knowledge Keepers, and students at York University. It is our intent that this be an Indigenous controlled and directed process. This initiative is but one way we are moving to address some of the historical wrongs and systemic barriers that Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations have faced when engaging with academic research. 

We are currently recruiting for three financially compensated INDIGENOUS STUDENT review panel members. One of the positions will be for a York Undergraduate student and two York graduate students (including Osgoode JD students).  

Students would serve on a panel of reviewers with Indigenous community members, Elders/Knowledge Keepers and academics. The main responsibility of student members will be to review and provide consultation, guidance, feedback, and approval of research ethics applications from their perspective.  Additional responsibilities may include the provision of ongoing continuous guidance on the policies and procedures of the IREB, engagement with researchers on the development of applications, and possible engagement as a participant in ceremony (both in celebration and when research goes awry).   

We invite applications from diverse community members who are located in the Greater Tkaronto and Hamilton area, on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek Nation the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We especially are interested in applications from students that identify as 2-Spirit and Afro-Indigenous.  

Applicants can submit a cover letter and resume to Alison Collins (acollins@yorku.ca) by Tuesday November 21^st, 2023.