Community Research
Lheidli T’enneh is proud to be a First Nation that values research that has a positive, meaningful outcome for its people both on and off reserve while remaining true to both the basic principles of solid ethical research and the guiding principles upon which the Lheidli T’enneh communities are built.
Whether research takes place on Traditional Territory, represents First Nation culture, or can impact Lheidli activities, it’s important to not only involve the group being researched, but understand how to involve them. Fortunately the Lheidli administrative team has developed considerable experience directing and engaging in programming and organizational-based research to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the community as a whole. They recognize the value in research, community, and organizational partnerships in order to engage in academic research projects and knowledge exchange practices. In order to facilitate engagement between researcher and research between their people, community, and larger society in positive, productive, and mutually beneficial ways, a Research Ethics and Protocol document was developed.
This document was designed as a starting point to help agencies and communities make informed decisions when pursuing ethical, meaningful, and beneficial research that involves Lheidli T’enneh.
This guide serves four basic purposes:
- To assist staff, community members, partners and potential partners in participating in research.
- To assist researchers/partners and potential partners in learning about Lheidli T’enneh and our communities’ expectations around research and partnerships.
- To set out a research and ethics protocol that clearly outlines the ethical obligations of any researcher/partner who undertakes research on or with any aspect of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nations community.
- To set out protocol to ensure that any research/partnerships on or with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation ensures adherence to our basic mission, values and vision while also ensuring the rights, privacy, and welfare of the peoples and the community remain intact.
Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre
In close partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Prince George Exploration Place has established a historical gallery dedicated to Lheidli T’enneh – Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning. This permanent gallery is filled with cultural materials from Lheidli T’enneh history. In addition to helping preserve and showcase local cultural assets, this gallery illustrates the way in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can promote a better understanding of our history. The significant milestone was recognized by the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming on November 22, 2017 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.
The museum and gallery are located within Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park in Prince George – the site of the traditional hunting grounds and village for the Lheidli T’enneh Nation. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the museum also acts as a “designated repository” for artifacts, documents, and objects. In this way, Exploration Place remains a learning place for all community members, with programs and galleries that encourage the transfer of knowledge, research, cultural expression, and healing.
Today, the ongoing mutual partnership between the museum and Lheidli T’enneh continues to model a successful example of how local First Nations can share their history with visitors in a manner that is both inclusive and respectful to those it represents.
Visit the Exploration Place website to learn more and also be sure to check out the Lheidli T’enneh Exhibit in person! (The Exploration Place along with a larger exhibit will be re-opening in Spring 2021.)
