Research ethics related to indigenous peoples: approaches of Russia and other countries




Gladun, Elena Fedorovna
PhD in Law, Professor of Public Adminstration Department Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia
efgladun@yandex.ru


Abstract
Today, studies of life-style, traditional activities and development of indigenous peoples have become an important field of science. The reason lies in the humanization and democratization of society as a whole, as well as in the increased activity of the indigenous peoples drawing attention to their problems at the national and international levels. At the same time, research approaches related to indigenous peoples differ significantly in circumpolar countries. For example, the USA and Canada for more than 30 years have applied special methodologies for studying indigenous communities, including the subject-subject and evidence-based approaches, methods of participatory research, while in Russia, Finland, Norway research takes place within the framework of paternalistic approach: indigenous peoples are understood only as an object of research.
But ethnic groups whose way of life differs from the dominant majority deserve a special attention and approaches, thus, it is important to share experience of all circumpolar countries and develop ethical guidelines for research, which must necessarily include culturally acceptable and participatory methods and promote mutual interest in the results for scientists, indigenous communities, and governments.

Keywords: indigenous peoples, ethical guidelines, participatory research, cultural competence, cross-national analysis