Who may provide FPIC in Indigenous research under TCPS 2?

• A. Individual participants only.
• B. Indigenous communities or governance bodies.
• C. External IRB
• D. Researchers alone.

Answer: (B)

FPIC in Indigenous research under TCPS 2 is provided by Indigenous communities or their governance bodies because this framework recognizes the community’s authority to make decisions about research that affects them. The community’s leadership or designated governance structures are responsible for approving how a project is conducted, including how data, knowledge, and benefits are managed. This reflects respect for Indigenous self-determination and the collective responsibilities that accompany research in their contexts. Individual participants still give their own consent to participate, but that does not replace the need for the community’s FPIC. External IRBs review ethical aspects but do not grant FPIC on behalf of a community, and researchers cannot authorize FPIC by themselves. Therefore, the community or its governance bodies is the appropriate source of FPIC.