Ethics Policies & Framework

Our Approach to Ethical Research

Research at CSFS is grounded in respect, accountability and Nation leadership.

Our ethics framework ensures every project protects people, stories and community knowledge while honouring cultural protocols and national standards.

We follow core principles:

National Standards We Follow

CSFS aligns with:

TCPS2

Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans

Tri-Agency Framework (RCR)

Responsible Conduct of Research

OCAP® Principles

Ownership, Control, Access, Possession (OCAP®) principles – community ownership and control of data

Indigenous Methods

Indigenous research methodologies

We review national updates regularly to keep our guidelines current and culturally grounded.

CSFS Ethics Policies

Research Ethics Policy (2024)

This policy outlines how CSFS:

reviews and approves research
protects participants
honours cultural and community protocols

Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research (2024)

This policy explains expectations for everyone conducting research with CSFS, including:

roles and responsibilities
requirements for integrity
how concerns or breaches are addressed

Research Data Management Strategy

This strategy describes how CSFS stewards research information in ways that respect participant privacy and Nation authority.

It covers:

data collection and storage
access and sharing
security and retention

How This Connects to Your Application

Our ethics policies guide every stage of the CSFS research process, including:

starting a new project
updating or renewing ethics approval
closing a study

Complete these steps on the Applications & Processes page.

Ethics FAQ

Why does CSFS have its own ethics process?

To protect community knowledge and ensure research follows cultural protocols, participant safety and Member Nation priorities.

Who needs ethics approval?

Anyone conducting research involving CSFS or Member Nations, including:

External researchers
Students or university partners
CSFS staff leading research

What counts as research at CSFS?

Any project that collects information to create or share knowledge, such as:

Interviews or focus groups
Surveys
Community or health studies
Evaluations
Student theses

Ask the Research Team if you’re unsure.

How do I know which form to submit?

Use:

New Application – first-time submissions
CSFS Staff Application – CSFS-led research
Amendment or Renewal – changes or extensions
Closure Report – once the study ends

See the Applications & Processes page for all forms.

How long does an ethics review take?

Timelines depend on:

project complexity
Nations or communities involved
community review needs
completeness of your application

Reach out early if you have deadlines.

How are Member Nations involved?

Nations guide decisions about:

whether research proceeds
how the work is shaped
how results are shared

CSFS supports, but Nations lead.

What are my responsibilities as a researcher?

You must:

follow CSFS policies
ensure informed, voluntary participation
protect privacy and data
report issues or changes
submit a closure report

What if my project changes?

Submit an Amendment or Renewal if you:

add new activities
change methods
expand your locations
add new participant groups
extend your timeline

What happens if an issue arises?

Contact the Research Team immediately.
CSFS follows the Responsible Conduct policy to address:

safety concerns
protocol breaches
participant concerns
misconduct

When do I submit a closure report?

Within six months of your study ending or stopping. Required if your study:

concludes
did not proceed
ends early

Can I publish my findings?

Before sharing or publishing:

Follow OCAP® principles
Protect participant identity
Respect cultural protocols
Follow Nation-level expectations

Check with the Research Team if unsure.

Ready to Begin?

Start, amend or close a research project through our Applications & Processes page.

Need Support?

We welcome early conversations and questions.