Honouring Indigenous Knowledge in Guideline Development
The GIN Indigenous Communities Working Group is a partnership between GIN and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) – a global leader in guideline development.
The Indigenous Communities Working Group seeks to establish a global network dedicated to advancing methodologies for guideline development that honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. This work includes, but is not limited to, culturally appropriate approaches to engaging with Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous-led topic selection, and best practices for reviewing and interpreting evidence.
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About this artwork
The initiative responds to persistent health inequities rooted in colonialism and systemic racism, as well as the lack of methodological guidance for Indigenous-focused guideline development.
GIN, RNAO and the Indigenous Communities Working Group acknowledge and respects the diversity of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Each Indigenous community is distinct, with its own histories, cultures and identities.
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Our mission
To co-create methodologies for guideline development that honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing that advance health equity and cultural safety.
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Key objectives
- Build an international network of Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers, and guideline developers.
- Promote guideline development approaches that respects Indigenous cultures, traditions, and sovereignty.
- Explore and apply methodologies such as the Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
- Develop culturally appropriate educational resources including webinars, toolkits, scholarly publications.
- Advance cultural safety, including anti-racism training, and cultural humility, within guideline development practices.
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Why it matters
- Supports Indigenous health sovereignty and rights.
- Contributes to reducing health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.
- Preserves and promotes Indigenous health knowledge systems.
- Advances the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples.
- Strengthens GIN’s leadership in equity-focused guideline development.
Purpose, guiding principles, and objectives
In this video recording, Tecumseh Connors (Knowledge Keeper), Daniela Carl (CEO of GIN), Dr. Doris Grinspun (CEO of RNAO), and Dr. Holly Graham (Indigenous Communities Working Group Chair) discuss the purpose, guiding principles, and objectives of the working group, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving meaningful change in guideline development.
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Group Membership
Please note that those with an interest in joining the Indigenous Communities Working Group are encouraged to watch a recording from the Introductory Webinar for the group, which took place on Wednesday 4 March 2026. If you are already a GIN member and wish to make an enquiry about joining the group, please contact Joanne Georgeson (membership_manager@g-i-n.net).
We welcome applications to join the group from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, community members, researchers and guideline developers. Anyone with an interest in advancing health equity and culturally grounded guideline development may apply.
One year’s membership of GIN for representatives from Indigenous Communities will be provided at no cost to individuals, through a match funding agreement between RNAO and GIN.
To ensure decisions and actions reflect the voices and priorities of Indigenous communities, this group will work closely with a steering committee made up entirely of Indigenous Peoples.
Chair: Dr. Holly Graham
Vice Chair: Dr. Doris Grinspun
Board Liaison: Elie Akl