Indigenous fundamental values, research lenses, and methods: A framework for community-centred governance

In Canada, the shift in global human rights law reform, is felt when there is a need to support Indigenous self-governance through policy and regulations. Moreover, much of the law reform that attempts to positively affect Indigenous autonomy is not well understood by the general public, researchers, or service providers. Within the area of Indigenous water management few studies examine how the status of First Nation's decision-making authority and readiness limit their infrastructure and resource management capacity. Through collaboration with Indigenous Elders, this study contributes to understanding the concept of sustainable water management using an Indigenous centred lens. The research methods were framed using a concept developed by Treaty Four Elders and academics who coined the Four Healing Protective Factors (Four PFs). The Four PFs were used to guide the literature review and method development in a trauma-informed, strength-based, community-specific, and spiritually grounded way. Using the Four PFs, a semi-structured grounded theory data collection method showed a causal relationship between existing water management and the need for holistic solutions to water challenges. The conceptual framework supports self-governance through a perspective shift during research scoping, methods, and products to build using Indigenous culture. A method was needed to validate Indigenous and non-Indigenous conflict, improve infrastructure and resource management, while ruling out misconceptions about where Indigenous water culture stems from. Ultimately, the framework ensures the integration of the Nation’s history and uplifts Indigenous culture to ensure the community is not decentralized and pulled away from their preferred methods of operating