Press Release

RESEARCHERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FIRST NATIONS PUBLISH STANDARD OF CONDUCT FOR RESEARCH IN NORTHERN BARKLEY AND CLAYOQUOT SOUND

For Immediate Release

August 8, 2003

UCLUELET — In collaboration with local community groups and Central Region Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, researchers at the University of Victoria have developed a Standard of Conduct for Research in Northern Barkley and Clayoquot Sound Communities. The work was sponsored by the Clayoquot Alliance for Research, Education and Training, a partnership between the University of Victoria and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. The partnership is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council under its Community-University Research Alliance program.

"The Standard of Conduct is an agreed set of principles, guidelines and practical tips for research conduct that acknowledges community expectations, First Nations customs and university ethics requirements," said Dr. Kelly Bannister, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. Her work was conducted through Community-University Connections, an initiative of the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, and a partner with the Clayoquot Alliance.

Bannister facilitated the process to develop the Standard of Conduct over two years, under the guidance of a diverse working group, which included members of the University, local communities, and the Central Region Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. She expressed particular appreciation for the commitment of Anne Morgan (Toquaht First Nation), Nadine Crookes (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve), and Gerry Schreiber (Community Liaison for the Clayoquot Alliance).

Over 50 individuals from over 30 local organisations were involved in various workshops, meetings and discussions that contributed to the development of the document. "The interest and in-kind contributions of these individuals and organisations to the process are just as important as the document itself. We learned a tremendous amount from each other," emphasised Nadine Crookes, First Nations Program Manager for the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada.

"Academics have often been criticised for their lack of sensitivity to the community in which they are conducting research," observed Dr. Rod Dobell, Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and Principal Investigator for the Clayoquot Alliance. "This Standard of Conduct provides a foundation for project-specific research agreements and letters of consent, and offers practical suggestions for making research serve the purposes of everyone involved. It will be maintained as a living document in the region by Dr. Bannister working with community working groups and the Senior Research Associates of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust."

Stan Boychuk, Executive Director of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the community partner with the University of Victoria in the Clayoquot Alliance, underlined the significance of this ongoing process in the community. "The Standard of Conduct represents a new approach to research collaborations between universities and communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve region. It builds on the Biosphere Reserve three pillar vision of conservation, sustainable development and First Nations values."

Comments on the Standard of Conduct for Research in Northern Barkley and Clayoquot Sound Communities are welcomed, and will be reflected in a revised version planned for early 2004. Electronic copies are available from the website of the Clayoquot Alliance for Research Education and Training (http://www.clayoquotalliance.uvic.ca/Protocols/).

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