Person holding a ceramic bowl with steaming herbs or tea, using a large feather to sprinkle or add ingredients. The person wears a badge and a red patterned shirt, and is at an event titled 'Two-Spirit Symposium.'

How to Participate

Interested in taking part in the BRANCH Project? Check out the information below to learn how to participate!

BRANCH Research Project Logo. Logo with green pine branches and the word 'BRANCH' in bold black and green letters.

About

This project is led by a Steering Committee of Indigenous-identifying people, and multiple Indigenous community organizations. We aim to explore how research can be conducted in safer and more respectful ways.

Method

The team is inviting Indigenous community members to share their experiences and perspectives through both sharing circles, if near current location, and one-on-one interviews.

Purpose

These conversations will help shape a new educational module to train researchers on how to work more safely and respectfully with Indigenous communities.

Choice

Participation is voluntary, and you can choose when and how to be interviewed, with the option to bring a support person for comfort.

A large tree with a sunset sky in the background, surrounded by green leaves labeled with words supporting informed consent, including Supported, Protected, Safety, Permission, Voluntary, and Choice. The tree has a large white text overlay with the title "Informed Consent" and a green speech bubble explaining that informed consent involves making decisions with full information, asking questions, and that participation can be withdrawn at any time.

Conversation

If you choose to take part, you’ll be asked to share your insights during a 60–90-minute interview, which can be done in person, by phone, or on Zoom.

Permission

You'll be asked for your consent before the interview, and it may be recorded with your permission. Your identity will be protected, and all personal information will be securely stored.

Compensation

You can stop participating at any time, and you’ll receive a electronic gift card as a thank you for participating.

Sharing

You may also receive a summary of the study results and can choose to be involved in how findings are shared with others.

Reach Out

If you have questions or concerns, support and contact information will be available.

Connect

Contact Us

We’re In Study Phase 2: Listening and Learning 

Timeline: August 2025 – June 2026 

We are currently in Phase 2 of the project — a qualitative study that invites Indigenous community members in Ontario to share their experiences and insights. Research interviews kicked off September 2025 and will continue for the following months. Our team is excited to connect with community members and learn about their experiences with research. If you or anyone you may know will be interested in participating in a one-on-one interview, or one of our upcoming sharing circles, please email contactbranchproject@gmail.com

Want to Learn More?

Watch our introductory video for more information about our project goals and how to get involved with the BRANCH Research Project.