Unique Challenges of Child Development Research in Sovereign Nations in the United States and Canada

Native children have been underrepresented in child development research in the United States and Canada. Their omission from studies is often attributable to specific challenges that add layers of complexity to the research process and require extensive commitment, time, and resources on the part of researchers. This article provides an overview of challenges specific to research in sovereign Native nations, including coordinating tribal and university research review processes, allowing for tribal review of publications and presentations, advocating for funding, adapting research timelines, and negotiating ownership of data. In the end, the complex interplay between tribal governments, review boards, academic institutions, and funding agencies is worth navigating, not only because of the benefits that researchers may be able to bring to Native children but also because of the important lessons that Native children can bring to researchers, helping them to broaden their perspectives on the processes of child development.