Traditional Knowledge Research Guidelines
When defining traditional knowledge research, it is important to distinguish between traditional knowledge research and research guided by traditional knowledge. The former is a comprehensive and holistic collection of information held by traditional knowledge holders. The latter is western science guided by a traditional knowledge holder. There is concern that the term traditional knowledge has multiple meanings. The working definition of traditional knowledge used by the WKSS was put forth by the Traditional Knowledge Committee:
Traditional knowledge is knowledge that Elders hold from experience and is passed down to them through the generations. It is continuous and grows. Interpretation of knowledge is important. Traditional knowledge is not just the past, but the future combined with the past.
The format required for traditional knowledge research projects is the same as that for western science research, although the content of each segment may vary. The following guidelines have been drafted by the Traditional Knowledge Committee for those wishing to research traditional knowledge:
1. To be effective, research projects must obtain the support of the appropriate aboriginal political body and of the affected aboriginal communities before they can be approved by the WKSS society.
2. For traditional knowledge research to be effective, aboriginal community members must direct and control all stages of research projects, including personnel, project planning and design, budget development, fundraising, data collection, analysis, data and report verification, and report writing.
3. a) Each traditional knowledge project will be screened and guided by the Traditional Knowledge Steering Committee.
b) Research projects drawing on both traditional knowledge and western science will be screened and guided by the Project Steering Committee made up of western scientists and traditional knowledge holders with the majority being aboriginal.
4. Informed consent must be obtained from all people interviewed as part of the research project, and where requested, the confidentiality of the information which they provide must be strictly respected and adhered to in writing.
5. Research must include a training component in projects in order to develop research skill for those affected communities.
6. Copies of raw data held, including video, audio, written etc., are the property of the community. Raw data held outside and in the community will be subject to conditions of copyright and confidentiality agreements on storage, use, access and release approved by the appropriate political body and by participating communities.
7. Contributions of community people to research projects must be fully acknowledged in all reports and public statements.
8. Traditional knowledge should be fully and effectively incorporated and provide direction in all aspects and phases of the study.
9. Research will be suspended if the guidelines written in to the contract are not met.
10. Protocols/contract research agreements will be established between the researcher and participating partners.
11. The WKSS society will establish agreements with partners on:
access to information
confidentiality
copyright
reporting/publishing
12. Research proposals must contain:
i. title
ii. background
iii. study area
iv. objectives
v. methodology
vi. workplan and timeframe
vii. partners
viii. evidence of community support
ix. training plan
x. budget and justification of budget
xi. deliverables
xii. licenses required
xiii. project team qualifications and responsibilities
13. Traditional knowledge information that is used must be guided by the Elders and community involved in the original study.