Why develop research partnerships?
Partnering with external organizations can be a valuable way to conduct research projects that support and inform your Indigenous Guardian program and the goals and priorities of the community.
Ensure that a plan is in place to use research partnerships to help build the capacity of your Indigenous Guardian program or your stewardship office (i.e. through training in research methodologies, field research, sampling, etc.). Consider practical issues like the logistics of hosting researchers and the demands research can place on vehicles or boats used by your program or the community. Where possible and valuable, look for opportunities to secure legacy benefits from the research (i.e. field equipment utilized for research is left behind for your program or community’s continuing use).
The story 'Spirit Bear Research Foundation: Research Rooted in Indigenous Knowledge and Community Values' and the video about Coastal First Nations research collaboration with the University of Victoria, as well as other links below will give you some ideas of research partnerships that work.