Research with Purpose
The Cedar Project is conducted with the full participation and support of Aboriginal communities and addresses cultural issues and concerns related to data handling and confidentiality.
Cedar Project research is conducted with the support of the Institute of Aboriginal People's Health and follows principles set out by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People.
In addition, Cedar Project research is carried out in accordance with the principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession of applied research or collection of information that involves Aboriginal people) set out by the National Steering Committee of the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey in 1998. OCAP principles are integral to self-determination in Aboriginal health research. OCAP states that Aboriginal people must be meaningfully involved in and control data collection processes in their own communities.
Since the study began in 2003, the Cedar Project Partnership is an independent body of Aboriginal leadership, AIDS service organizations and health service providers that was developed to provide leadership, oversight and accountability to the entire Cedar Project research process. The Cedar Project Partners ultimately decide when and how the Project data is translated to the public.
Throughout the study, the health, well-being and research rights of participants is paramount and Aboriginal study staff conduct all interviews with study participants. The research team believes that the Cedar Project can only be successful if all participants have equal opportunity to provide input in the study design and implementation of the study as well as having equal control and access to the data.
By taking this collaborative approach, the Cedar Project is a model for inclusive, culturally sensitive and community-oriented research and hopes to continue to build on this success with future phases of the Project.
