In the described study, is it ethical to exclude consideration of Indigenous status from analysis?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if consent is obtained
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Not considering Indigenous status in analysis undermines fairness and respect for Indigenous peoples. When a study is relevant to Indigenous communities, ignoring Indigenous identity can obscure real differences in health outcomes, experiences, or determinants of health, effectively erasing those disparities from the findings. This runs counter to the principles of equity and justice that guide TCPS 2, which emphasize engaging with Indigenous communities, respecting self-determination over data, and handling data in ways that privilege protections and benefits for Indigenous peoples. If Indigenous status is pertinent to the research question, it should be collected with appropriate consent and analyzed in a way that reveals and addresses potential disparities, while ensuring data governance aligns with community expectations and privacy safeguards. Simply excluding Indigenous status cannot be justified as ethical practice, even if consent is obtained or if the status is not the primary focus, because it risks biased conclusions and perpetuating inequities.