Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

8-2026

Abstract

This is a working paper produced as part of National Science Foundation project #2115169, “Transforming Rural-Urban Systems: Trajectories for Sustainability in the Intermountain West,” known as the “Intermountain West Transformation Network” (TN), led by the University of New Mexico with institutional partners at three additional universities in New Mexico, two in Arizona, and one each in Utah, Colorado, and Washington. The TN’s Indigenous and Tribal engagement was supported through a contract with Dr. Sharon Hausam, additional work by Aaron M. Canter, coordination with Dr. Lani Tsinnajinnie, and an Advisory Committee on Indigenous Information Needs primarily comprised of Indigenous representatives in New Mexico.  An analysis of published articles indicated that some of the strongest, most ethical, and respectful research came from labs or universities with long-standing relationships with Indigenous communities and Native nations. The weakest component in the published articles was data ownership and data sovereignty. Meetings with representatives of Tribes and organizations also indicated challenges with instrumental relationships focused on funded research, university requirements for ownership and control of data, short time frames, indirect costs, and high administrative burden. The TN’s multi-institutional efforts, combined with the more focused conversations with Indigenous and Tribal representatives in New Mexico, suggested opportunities for the University of New Mexico to enhance its leadership in Indigenous and Tribally engaged research emphasizing accountability to Indigenous and Tribal communities, understanding of ethical research practices, institutional frameworks and Tribal capacity, and advancement of knowledge of practice.

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