When applying to HIRGC, researchers may apply for 1) a letter of support for regional First Nations research or 2) approval for access to the Manitoba First Nations Research File (MFNRF) held at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP). The process for HIRGC application is the same. For researchers requesting MFNRF access, an additional application through MCHP is required.

To apply to HIRGC you must register or log-in to your User Profile and begin a new application. For more information see insert page link to application page. 

APPLICATION REVIEW SCHEDULE

The HIRGC meets 6 times per year, to ensure your application is reviewed in a timely manner, please see the meeting dates and subsequent application deadlines below. Meetings are updated quarterly and are subject to change.

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All submissions (i.e., new applications, revisions, amendments, conditions) are first reviewed by the Research Ethics Coordinator for clarity, consistence, and compliance with our four principles. This typically takes one week. It is advised that you submit your application as early as possible to account for this initial review in the chance your application is incomplete or does not meet our ethical standards so that you may make any changes to advance to full review.

Delays may occur if applications submitted require clarification or if there is an influx of applications in which we may not be able to review all submitted applications in an application period. Please plan ahead and ensure you have time for potential delays.

NOTE: If you apply and there is change in meeting date, you will be informed of the adjusted timeline.

BEFORE APPLYING TO HIRGC

1. Ensure that your Research is in line with National standards of First Nations Research

• FNIGC OCAP Training
• Tri-Council Policy Chapter .

2. Ensure that your research fits within the HIRGC mandate:

Research requiring HIRGC Approval:

•  Regional level health or social research using first or secondary data about or involving First Nations in Manitoba.
  • This includes research where First Nations identifiers are collected or used; research where analysis and results will be stratified by First Nations and/or comparative analysis of Manitoba First Nations to another study or general population.
• Research or program evaluations involving the access or data linkage to the Manitoba First Nations Research File (MFNRF)
• Research involving a population or data set with a high proportion of First Nations individuals (e.g., Urban Indigenous Services, Diabetes, Child & Family Services (CFS), Justice etc.)

HIRGC also approves the access of Regional Health Survey (RHS) data and classified regional level data housed in the COVID19 Archive.

Research not requiring HIRGC approval:

• Research involving individual First Nations people who’s individual stories or experiences are presented as their own and not used to draw population or regional findings.
• Research in partnership with individual First Nation communities or tribal organizations. We maintain that all First Nations in Manitoba has sovereignty and jurisdiction over research within their territories.
• Program evaluations unless it requires access to the MFNRF. If it requires access to the MFNRF, you must clarify how the MFNRF is applicable and relevant to your evaluation.

Where HIRGC approval is not required, the Committee may still be consulted on the application of the Regional First Nations Ethics Principles as endorsed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

2. Familiarize yourself with the HIRGC application process and the First Nations Ethical Principles

• Review the following FNHSSM Webinars and Training Materials
  • The Four Principles Webinar 

• Attend an Information Session
  • Information sessions are hosted online by the Research Ethics Coordinator bimonthly (see Important Dates for upcoming sessions). These are an optional 1hr lunch hour sessions that cover the application process, criteria, and answer any questions.

3. Ensure that your research is abides by the 4 Ethical Principles and is ready to be reviewed by the Committee. Some important questions to ask are:

• Do you have an existing relationships with the First Nations regional, tribal, community or organizational project partners?
• Are these relationships reflected in your project team and decision making processes at each level of the project? Having community members and knowledge holders that are involved or related to your research topic is imperative to do research in a good way to have a circle of stakeholders and knowledge keepers guiding your work.
• Does your research take a distinction-based approach that recognizes First Nations in Manitoba as culturally, linguistically, and historically unique?
  • Please note: HIRGC does not support Pan-Indigenous research. We do not speak or provide approval on behalf of Metis or Inuit, as we respect their Nations sovereignty and autonomy as it applies to their research needs and priorities. In projects that include multiple Indigenous groups, First Nation data must be separated from other Indigenous Nations. In these cases, efforts to follow other ethical processes or have representative guidance in the project should be included in the application.

HIRGC Review Process:

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HIRGC FAQ

How long will it take for my application to receive approval from HIRGC

The length of time it takes to receive approval from the HIRGC varies depending on several factors – this includes the time of your submission, if your application is complete, and the quality of your application. If your application is complete and of high quality, it can take as little as one week from the date of review. However, most applications will take longer than that and require multiple rounds of Committee review, please plan accordingly.

Does HIRGC ethics approval expire?

Once approved, HIRGC ethics approval is ongoing until the completion of your project. However, our approval is contingent on your ability to maintain the ethics standards stated in your application and the submission of annual research project reports.

RESOURCES

For any questions about research involving First Nations in Manitoba or the HIRGC application and processes please contact the Research Ethics Coordinator, Sage Broomfield at sbroomfield@fnhssm.com.