McMaster Indigenous Research Primer
The purpose of the Indigenous Research Primer is to guide those at McMaster University who are engaging with Indigenous Peoples and communities in their research. The Primer seeks to inform Indigenous and non-Indigenous, early and experienced researchers at any stage of their career and/or education.
Acknowledgements
The Indigenous Research Primer committee would like to send out a Chi-Miigwetch, Nya:wen Kowa to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River for their ongoing dedication to the stewardship of the land, waters and non-human beings. As members of communities that live, work and benefit from the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement, it is our hope that this Research Primer holds us as members of the McMaster community accountable to supporting the tenets of this land.
The committee would also like to thank Manulani Aluli Meyer, Hawaiian Epistemology, Kim Tallbear, Indigenous Feminist Approaches to Research, Rick Hill, Bonnie Freeman, Trish Van Katwyk and Daniel Coleman, and Two-Row Research Paradigms for informing the structure and process in the development of McMaster’s Indigenous Research Primer.
Body
This document serves as a “Body” for the Research Primer where Indigenous Ways of Knowing is outlined based on our relationships to our research but also, in relation to our responsibility to one another.
Click here to download a PDF of the Indigenous Research Primer document.
Mind
Ways of being are developed through lived experiences, something tangible, to be seen, heard, and expressed that is also informed by the land and territories we come from. Our short video clips from a variety of researchers serve as the “Mind” of the research Primer and showcase the diversity of minds and thought worlds at work at McMaster currently. Listen to these McMaster community members speak on their specific projects, and contexts.
1: What is Indigenous Research?
2. How has research at McMaster been of benefit to Indigenous communities?
Find out more about the Indigenous Mentorship Network of Ontario and the StraightUpNorth team.
3. How have you engaged with Indigenous research methodologies?
Dr. Bonnie Freeman, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, shares how she engages with Indigenous research methodologies.
4. How does your research embody Indigenous world views?
5.What are the potential possibilities of using two row principles within an academic setting?
Spirit
The “Spirit” category is identified as an extension of the first two categories representing that which connects the body and mind. Quarterly sharing sessions entitled, Seasons of Research, hosted by MIRI will keep the Indigenous Research Primer alive by engaging with experienced Indigenous Methodology researchers and community members.
Seasons of Research – Winter 2026
Office of Community Engagement (OCE) and MIRI present:
DESKAHEH – Film Viewing & Coffee Chat
Join us in proudly showcasing Deskaheh the Indigenous McMaster faculty and student makers behind the film.
Come watch a special screening of Deskaheh, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Savage Bear, featuring Dr. Allan Downey, Dr. Rick Monture, Jersey Hill, and Tekenikhon Doreen.
Date: 21 January 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
L.R.W. Hall 1811, Indigenous Student Services Office, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Coffee, tea and treats available! All welcome. No registration required.
Questions/Info: [email protected]
Seasons of Research – Fall 2025
10 Years of IndigiNerds
Panelists: Maddy Lutes & Dr. Gita Ljubicic, Brody Mclellan & Dr. Jenn Walker
Date: 6 October 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
L.R.W. Hall 1811, Indigenous Student Services Office, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Coffee, tea and treats available! All welcome. No registration required.
Questions/Info: [email protected]
Seasons of Research – Winter 2025
Indigenous Studies Faculty – Special Screening
Join us in proudly showcasing Indigenous Studies faculty members and their amazing research.
Come watch a special screening of curated videos highlighting the Indigenous Studies faculty members at McMaster.
This viewing is an opportunity to connect with leading Indigenous researchers.
Date: 4 March 2025
Time: 12 pm – 2 PM
4th Floor of The HUB (The Hub is at the corner of Stearn Drive and Michell Crescent. More information and directions available at https://msumcmaster.ca/hub/)
McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Light lunch available
Questions/Info: [email protected]
Register at: https://seasonsofresearch.eventbrite.com
Seasons of Research – Spring 2024
A Conversation about Prison Education
Join us for the Spring Seasons of Research lunch and learn as part of the Indigenous Research Primer with Dr. Savage Bear and Sara Howdle, PhD Candidate.
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: L.R.WILSON HALL 1811 – CEREMONIAL ROOM (located within Indigenous Student Services)
Free event. Lunch is provided.
Info: [email protected]
Seasons of Research – Winter 2024
Two Row Research in Conversation
Join us for our first lunch and learn as a part of the Indigenous Research Primer with Dr. Bonnie Freeman and Dr. Daniel Coleman.
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: L.R.WILSON 1811 – CEREMONIAL ROOM
Lunch provided.
