Researching in Good Ways

Researching in Good Ways (RIGW) is an Indigenous-led initiative that builds on the Working in Good Ways framework to gather and share a set of guiding principles and practices that support Indigenous research partnerships. This project aims to better understand the realities of conducting research in Indigenous communities, both from those who have experience doing research with Indigenous partners and the communities with whom we do research. 

Project overview  Community and journey  Future resources

Illustration of people of different ages gathered around a round table, sharing tea and conversation against a rainbow background.

Miyo-wicêhtowin: Researching in Good Ways Podcast Series

A new six-part podcast series exploring relationships, reciprocity and community-informed approaches to research. Coming soon!

Project overview

Our foundation

Building on the Working in Good Ways framework (PDF), Research in Good Ways (RIGW) extends its principles of ethical and respectful community engagement into research. The project draws on community experiences and perspectives to better understand both the opportunities and challenges of conducting research with Indigenous communities.

Our goals

To develop a community-informed framework, guiding principles and practical resources that strengthen research partnerships, honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and help inform university research policies and practices.

Our vision

Everyone researches in good ways with community.

Project support

RIGW is supported by the L’offis Wiichihihwahk – Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), the Office of the Vice-President (Research and International) and the Strategic Initiative Support Fund.

Community engagement and project journey

Explore how Researching in Good Ways has evolved through community engagement, relationship-building and the development of a new research framework and practical resources.

People standing in shallow water among taro plants, with two holding handfuls of mud.
Since fall 2025, the Researching in Good Ways team has engaged with colleagues across the University of Manitoba and Indigenous community members in Churchill, Manitoba; Honolulu, Hawai‘i; and Winnipeg.
Eight people smiling for a group selfie outdoors, with a food truck and palm trees behind them.
Through these conversations, the team has learned from community experiences and perspectives on what it means to research in good ways.
People in winter coats pulling luggage along a station platform toward a passenger train.
One recurring message has been the importance of visiting, and just as importantly, the responsibility of returning.
An empty train table beside a window overlooking a snowy forest in warm sunlight.
Playing cards, clue sheets and small game props scattered across a table.
These relationships and shared learnings continue to inform the project's approach and its efforts to support more respectful, reciprocal and community-informed research practices.
Snowdrifts along a frozen shoreline beneath a vast blue sky with a faint pink glow.

Project Journey

Timeline

Milestone

Description

Fall 2025

Community Engagement Begins

Gathering experiences and perspectives from UM researchers, graduate students and Indigenous community members.

2026

Ongoing Community Engagement

Building relationships and learning from community visits and conversations in Churchill, Honolulu and Winnipeg.

2026

Framework and Resource Development

Developing a community-informed research framework, guiding principles and practical learning resources.

January 2027

Six-Episode Podcast Series

Launching Miyo-wicêhtowin: Researching in Good Ways, a six-episode podcast series exploring relationships, reciprocity and community-informed research practices.

These new consultations will be aimed at capturing stories about research experiences – both good and challenging, from faculty and grad students at the UM, and community partners engaged in research partnerships. These stories become the guide for what to do, and what not to do, and will help us change the way we research here at the UM.
Nicki Ferland Director of Land Based Education and Indigenous Curriculum

Please note: Registration for Researching in Good Ways consultations is now closed. Thank you to all who participated in this consultation phase.

Foundations and future resources

RIGW is a multi-phase project. While it is still underway, we will share resources as they become available. For now, explore the Working in Good Ways framework, the foundation of this initiative. Future outcomes—including principles, tools, and best practices from the consultations—will be added here.

Working in good ways.

More outcomes and resources from RIGW will be added as the project progresses — stay tuned for updates.

Our team

The project is guided by a collaborative Indigenous-led team with expertise in education, research and community engagement.

  • Kathleen Wilson's headshot.

  • Kathleen Wilson

    Project Director, a Two-Spirit Métis educator and researcher with expertise in curriculum design, facilitation and interdisciplinary research.

  • Nicki Ferland's headshot.

  • Nicki Ferland

    Director of Land-Based Education and Indigenous Curriculum, and co-lead of Working in Good Ways.

  • Don Davies's headshot.

  • Dr. Don Davies

    Director of Indigenous Research at UM, committed to advancing Indigenous research sovereignty and collaborative partnerships. 

  • Vanessa Lamirande's headshot.

  • Vanessa Lamirande

    Assistant to the Directors, with extensive experience working with Indigenous communities. 

Contact us

Researching in Good Ways
Indigenous Research and Academics
L’offis Wiichihihwahk - Office of the Vice-President Indigenous
Room 202E Administration building 
66 Chancellor's Circle 
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) 
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada  

Kathleen.Wilson@umanitoba.ca
204-914-2239