In Indigenous research involving in-depth interviews and genomic analyses, researchers should initiate community engagement prior to seeking REB review.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not necessary
• D. After data collection

Answer: (A)

In Indigenous research, engaging with the community before seeking ethics approval is essential because it centers community governance, values, and expectations in the study design. When the work involves in-depth interviews and genomic analyses, the potential implications extend beyond individuals to the community, including issues of privacy, data ownership, and how findings will be used or shared. Early engagement helps establish who has authority to approve the research, what data may be collected and who can access it, and how results will be disseminated and benefit the community. It also allows researchers to incorporate community-approved safeguards into the protocol, consent processes, and data management plans, which can shape the REB review itself. Skipping this step or delaying engagement undermines community autonomy and increases risk of misalignment with cultural norms and expectations.